EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus globulus
COMMON NAME: Blue gum tree.
FEATURES: Approximately six hundred species belong to the family Myrtaceae. Although the majority are
trees, some forms, like the Australian mallees, are shrublike. They are largely confined to Australia;
however about ninety species grow in California, and a few can be seen in Florida. They are widely
planted for ornamental purposes.
The violet-brown trunk bark peels off in long thin strips, exposing the smooth underlayer. The simple
leaves are without teeth, smooth, and frequently have a waxy sheen. Depending on species, white, yellow,
or red flowers adorn the eucalyptus and attract honeybees, from which a distinctive eucalyptus honey is
enjoyed. The sepals are small or absent, and the petals stick together to form a cap that falls when the
flower opens. Looks much like an acorn cap.
The tallest known living specimen is 322 feet, found in 1956 in the Styx Valley, Tasmania.
As children we remember coming home with the tree’s gum on hands and clothing after having played
around a large eucalyptus.
The peppermint-lemon fragrance is most agreeable.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Oil, leaves, bark.
SOLVENTS: Alcohol, water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Astringent, tonic, antiseptic, antispasmodic.
USES: A reliable medical journal of Europe gives credit to the power of the eucalyptus tree for destroying
miasmatic influence in fever-stricken districts, entirely abating the pestilent fever in areas where the trees
grow.
Among the diseases in which it is employed are croup, diphtheria, bronchitis, asthma, piles, neuralgia,
malarial diseases, catarrh, subacute or chronic inflammation of the genitourinary organs, ulcers, and
sores. It has been proven an effective remedy in some cases of rheumatism. For some the mode of using it
in asthma is to smoke the dried leaves.