Eucalyptus trees belong to the myrtle family. Their name originates from the Greek word "eucalyptos" which means "well covered." Eucalyptus trees thrive in environments that maintain average temperatures of about 60 degrees. The trees are indigenous to Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. They constitute an estimated 70 percent of the tree population in Australia.
Characteristics
Eucalyptus trees are known for growing very large and very fast. They can reach heights of over 300 feet. Eucalyptus leaves hang vertically off of the trees' branches and reach between 6 and 12 inches in length. These leaves have a leathery feel and are bluish-green in color. Eucalyptus trees are extremely sturdy. They can survive and even thrive under harsh conditions including drought, poor soil quality and fire. The thick bark of the eucalyptus tree helps to shield it from fire damage. During a fire, winds help to disperse eucalyptus seeds into new areas.
Wildlife
Eucalyptus trees are an important part of ecosystems in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, providing food and shelter to numerous species of wildlife. One of Australia's most famous residents---the koala---relies exclusively upon eucalyptus leaves for food. A koala will eat around two and a half pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day. Koalas spend much of their time on the branches of eucalyptus trees, sleeping and foraging for food. Many insects also depend upon eucalyptus trees for their survival. Termites create hollows in the bark of eucalyptus trees. They use wood from the trees to make a pulp which they use as a source of food and as a building material for their mounds. Birds such as the kookaburra and the cockatoo like to make their homes in eucalyptus hollows.
Medicinal Uses
Eucalyptus trees are well known for the medicinal properties of the oil contained in their leaves. Eucalyptus oil is believed to possess a wide variety of healing properties. It works very effectively as an antibiotic that is particularly successful against some strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus. The oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It can help stimulate the flow of blood and works to ease muscle and joint pain. Eucalyptus oil also acts as an antiseptic and works well in treating sore throats, mouth sores, gum disease and gingivitis.
Products
Today there are many different products containing eucalyptus oil. It is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical products such as throat lozenges, decongestants, mouthwashes and ointments. It is also available in many teas. Eucalyptus leaves are available for purchase either fresh or dried. In addition to its many medicinal uses, eucalyptus oil is highly valued for its scent. The leaves of certain species of eucalyptus produce a very strong peppermint aroma that is used to scent soaps, perfumes, creams and oils. However, the oil is not the only valuable part of the eucalyptus tree. In Australia, wood from the eucalyptus tree is commonly used for building, for making paper and for fuel.
Distribution
For many hundreds of years, the aborigines of Australia utilized eucalyptus trees for their medicinal properties. After they arrived on the continent, Europeans came to discover the many virtues of the eucalyptus tree, and commercial production soon followed. Due to the efforts of 19th century German botanist Ferdinand von Miller, the popularity of eucalyptus oil swiftly grew and spread across the globe. Eucalyptus seeds were transported to and planted in various countries worldwide. Today eucalyptus trees grow in diverse regions such as Spain, China, South America, India, Africa and the United States.
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