Eucalyptus
Species Name: eucalyptus
Also known as: mallee, box, ironbark, stringybark, ash, and gum tree.
Eucalyptus refers to a diverse genus of trees and some shrubs that dominate all of Australia.
More than 700 species of eucalyptus are in existence, mostly in Australia; however, a small number are found in New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
It can be found in almost every part of the continent of Australia and can adapt to all of the different climates that make up the continent.
What is Eucalyptus? The eucalyptus tree has many uses, which have made it a very important tree to the economy. Of the different varieties, the Karri and the Yellow box are probably the most well known.
The speed with which they grow makes the wood their most important benefit. They possess many characteristics that make them quite desirable and useful as an ornament, timber, firewood, and pulpwood. The speed of its growth also makes it quite a desirable tree as a windbreak.
The Eucalyptus species is recognizable because of its distinctive flowers and fruits. The name itself means “well covered” and describes the bud cup (operculum) that forms from modified petals and falls off as the flower opens.
Because of this, the flowers have no petals, but instead decorate themselves with many showy stamens. The gumnuts, or woody fruits, have valves at end of their roughly cone-shaped appearance that open to release the seeds.
Most eucalypts are evergreen, although some of the tropical species tend to lose their leaves at the end of the dry season. The copious oils the eucalyptus produces is an essential feature of the genus.
Home Remedies using Eucalyptus:
Benefits of Eucalyptus:
The Eucalyptus trees absorb a great deal of water from the soil through a process called transpiration. In fact, the trees have been planted in some places in order to lower the water level and reduce soil salination.
Their ability to absorb water from the soil makes them a perfect way of reducing malaria by draining swamps. Of course, this can be counter-productive as it can also destroy areas that are ecologically productive.
Eucalyptus oil is good for cleaning, deodorizing, and if used in very small quantities, in food supplements such as sweets, cough drops, and decongestants.
Monofloral honey can be produced from the nectar of some Eucalyptus leaves.
Soaking the ghost gum’s leaves in water allows the release of a mild tranquilizer that will temporarily stun fish.
The wind instrument digeridoo is made from Eucalyptus.
Uses of Eucalyptus:
- To relieve the symptoms of the common cold
- To treat bad breath as a mouthwash
- To treat minor skin sores including cuts, blemishes and pimples
- As a tonic to help settle the stomach
- To relieve the symptoms of the flu
- The oil is used in some decongestants and cough medications
- Nectar of some of the species is used to make monofloral honey
- The trees ability to absorb water makes it a natural way to prevent drainage problems in some areas
- Prevention of malaria by preventing the formation of swamps
Side Effects of Eucalyptus:
Some side effects of interal use may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
