Eucalyptus trees, commonly called gum trees of Australia, belong to the family Myrtaceae.About three-fourths of Australia’s forests are eucalyptus forests. Although most species of eucalyptus are native to Australia, a few are found elsewhere in the world.The word eucalyptus comes from a combination of Greek and Latin words. ‘Eu’ means ‘from’ and Greek ‘kalyptos’ means ‘covered.’ These words are used in the description of the seed pod. Eucalyptus trees come in different sizes, from small shrubs to tall trees. These gum trees are evergreen trees, and this means they stay green throughout the year, unlike some trees that shed their leaves in autumn. Most eucalyptus tree species are native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. These trees are widely exploited for eucalyptus wood and eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus obliqua is a native species of Australia.The eucalypt forest in Australia is spread over a whopping 92,000,000 hectares (227,336,951 acres), with roughly three-quarters covered by native forest. Queensland in Australia has many such trees.If you have enjoyed the article so far, please check out articles about cotton plant facts and columbine plant facts.Facts About The Eucalyptus PlantOther than the Douglas fir and the giant redwoods of western America, the tallest trees on the planet are trees of the eucalyptus species called the giant gum. These trees grow to more than 300 ft (91.44 m) in height.Eucalyptus is a combination of two Greek words, literally meaning well covered, probably referring to a cap-like structure called an operculum which protects the flower in the bud stage and falls off only when the flower is ready to open.As eucalyptus depletes nutrients from the soil you should not plant it in large numbers.The oldest clearly defined eucalyptus fossil has been uncovered in South America. Surprisingly, the eucalyptus tree is no longer endemic in that continent.As new leaves start coming in, eucalyptus trees start shedding their leaves.Australia uses eucalyptus trees for fuel.The leaves of Eucalyptus trees are poisonous to most animals and humans.A remarkable species among the eucalyptus species is the rainbow eucalyptus, scientifically known as Eucalyptus deglupta, used as ornamental trees. What is so remarkable about this tree is that the tree trunk has a unique multicolored bark. The tree sheds patches of outer bark at different times annually, which reveals a bright green inner bark that then matures and darkens to blue, then purple, orange, and finally maroon.The eucalyptus bark’s appearance varies with the manner of bark shed, the length of bark fibers, the age of the plant, the degree of furrowing, the hardness, the thickness, and the color. All mature eucalyptus trees put on an annual layer of bark, which helps increase the tree’s girth.Eucalyptus leaves are long, slender, and leather-textured evergreen leaves. They turn along their edges towards the sun to prevent evaporation. Eucalyptus leaves have oil glands in them. The most recognizable characteristic of the eucalyptus species is its distinctive flowers and fruit. Eucalyptus flowers differ in color according to the species they belong to. Their flowers have many fluffy, showy stamens, which are creamy-white to yellow and many shades of pink and red.The operculum protects the flower in its bud stage. The operculum is fused sepals or petals, and these flowers do not have petals. This is one feature common to all the genus.The fruit of the eucalyptus is woody. The seeds are rod-shaped, waxy, about a millimeter long, and yellow-brown.Eucalyptus forests are cloaked in a smog-like mist on warm, sunny days. These are the vaporized volatile compounds in the leaf, and the Australian Blue Mountains get their name from this haze.Eucalyptus oil from the leaves is a highly combustible oil that causes ignited trees to explode. This is the reason why bush fires that are so common in Australia and can easily travel through the oil-rich atmosphere of the tree crowns.Caring For Your PlantEucalyptus was introduced from Australia to the rest of the world by Sir Joseph Banks, a botanist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his expeditions.This tropical species does not tolerate drought and must be watered regularly. Placing mulch at the base of the indoor plant will help retain moisture. Outdoor trees rarely need fertilizer, but indoor liquid fertilizer may be required, especially in the springtime. Being a fast grower, the best way to check the plant’s growth and keep it healthy is to prune it regularly.Ideal Growing Conditions For The Eucalyptus PlantIn California alone, around 250 species of eucalyptus trees are cultivated. These are some of the tallest plants in the world. Inside a home or garden, they grow only to 6-10 ft (1.8 -3.05 m) in height. They are flowering plants and so are sometimes used as ornamental plants.Eucalyptus trees grow best in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Many species of eucalyptus need 8-10 hours of full sunlight. If they are planted inside as potted plants, then the pot should be kept near a south-facing window.A high temperature is ideal for the growth of these native trees but some species can tolerate semi-shaded areas too. They are used to a wide range of soils, from hot and dry sites and even semi-wet soils, as long as they are well-drained.Ideally, these trees should be planted between mid to late spring or fall, and they should be watered before and after planting. There is no need to spread the roots while planting as it could damage their very sensitive root system. You need to lightly fill the soil to remove air pockets.A eucalypt forest grows best in tropical to sub-tropical or temperate climates. Eucalyptus trees can be grown in regions with temperatures ranging up to 114.8 F (47 C) in India. They grow throughout almost all of the country in Australia except in its driest parts.Uses Of The Eucalyptus PlantThe eucalyptus plant as a genus is a diverse one and its uses are varied.Eucalyptus trees are used for timber, and they are also used as windbreakers and as avenue trees. They are also used for conservation purposes such as slowing down soil erosion and reclaiming swamps.Eucalyptus cinerea, a species of eucalyptus, is the koala’s favorite. These native plants of Australia are not tolerant of frost.Eucalyptus gives good charcoal. The wood is used for charcoal manufacturing for use in homes both in urban and suburban places.Eucalyptus poles are used in construction and for making houses. They are also good for transmission purposes and are used in work sheds and mines. The wood of eucalyptus trees is tough and durable. It is extensively used for making wharves, railway ties, and piles because it can effectively resist decay in water or moist ground. It can take a high polish. It can be used to make interior furniture. Many species of eucalyptus are rich in nectar and pollen.Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus citriodora are extensively used to extract eucalyptus oil. The tree has rich medicinal value, and it is considered an essential oil that could be toxic if consumed. This essential oil treats bronchitis, nasal congestion, and sore throat. It is good for relieving muscle pain and if applied topically heals burns and cuts. Eucalyptus oil is also an effective insecticide to treat insect pests.One of the most important uses of these trees is in the paper and pulp industry, and eucalyptus makes a good substitute for the regular wood pulp usually used in the paper industry.Eucalyptus trees in the Australian outback can draw up gold from underground through their roots and deposit them as particles in their leaves and branches. This was revealed in the X-ray imaging done on eucalyptus leaves in the Kalgoorlie region of western Australia. Although not viable economically, this data can locate subsurface mineral deposits.The wood of eucalyptus trees is used to make a traditional Australian aboriginal wind instrument called the didgeridoo. The tree’s trunk gets hollowed out by termites, and these are cut down if the bore is of the correct shape and size.Every single part of the eucalyptus tree can be used to make very effective dyes on protein fibers such as silk or wool. This is done simply by processing any plant part with water. After processing, you can get dramatic colors such as deep rust, red, green, orange, yellow, chocolate, and tan. The remaining plant part after the processing can be used as fertilizer or as mulch.Eucalyptus trees have a major role to play in controlling particle pollution. If observed closely, you can observe dust settling on its leaves.In homes, eucalyptus is used in cleaning products, and because of its strong aroma and cleansing abilities, it is used in rejuvenation centers and spas.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 111 eucalyptus plant facts then why not take a look at coffee plant facts or cacao plant facts.
Eucalyptus trees, commonly called gum trees of Australia, belong to the family Myrtaceae.
