Plants from down under – Eucalyptus

Name – The name was created in 1788 by Fr. botanist Charles Louis L'héritier de Brutelle from the Greek words eu = ‘well’ and kalyptos’ = covered,’ for the covering on the bud.

Description – Trees and shrubs also known as gum trees, noted for their peeling bark and strong odour given off by leaves, sap (gum) and bark.

Origin - Eucalypts are a species of tree indigenous to Australia. They draw a tremendous amount of water from the soil through the process of transpiration and so one of their uses is as plantation trees where they are planted to lower the water table and reduce soil salination.. The tree also has medicinal properties - eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaves and can be used for cleaning, deodorising, and in very small quantities in food supplements; especially sweets, cough drops and decongestants as well as having insect repellent properties. One species of Eucalypt, the ghost gum, has leaves used by Aborigines to catch fish. Soaking the leaves in water releases a mild tranquilliser which stuns fish temporarily, and it also provides the wood for the digeridoo. However, it’s not all good news. If you want to grow this plant, buy the SMALLEST one you can find, and never, purchase a tree that has been staked. Eucalyptus are extremely difficult to make wind-firm, and they will never become so if they are the slightest bit root-bound. Native Australians have a saying that ‘the bigger the stake, the taller the eucalyptus will be when it falls down’. On the other hand, a tiny plant, put in the ground ub summer will grow rapidly through the hot season and continue to put on growth spurts in mild winter weather and if you provide some frost protection, by the following summer it should be ready to cope with any level of wind.

Australian eucalyptus photograph by Foggy Bummer, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

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