Koalas eat leaves of the eucalyptus
by Sarah Das Gupta
famous in the land of kangaroos
but strangers in Spanish forests
| Botanical name: | Eucalypteae |
| Popular names: | Gum tree, eucalypts, stringybarks |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Origin: | Australia |
| Habitat: | Full sun and well-drained soil |
There are 700 species of the Eucalyptus, an aromatic tree native to Australia. The leaves are a bluish-green; the bark is often coloured and peeling. The tree is generally hardy in temperate zones. It can be pruned and cultivated in pots.
The Eucalyptus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It needs six hours of direct sunlight a day in spring and summer.
The roots can spread laterally up to one hundred feet and damage plumbing and pipes. Some species can grow up to 25 metres.
The Eucalyptus can have a negative effect on other trees. Its high transpiration rates lead to a decline in soil fertility. It is a host to the Eucalyptus gall wasp. The Honey-fungus feeds on the roots.
The tree does not add to bio-diversity and is allopathic in impact. It has been introduced into pine forests in Galicia, Northern Spain, to the detriment of other trees. Visiting the area earlier in the year, it was noticeable that the eucalyptus looked out of place in the pine woods both from a botanical and an aesthetic point of view. It is very flammable which is dangerous at a time of serious wild fires. There is some evidence that they are developing an ability to recover from the effects of fire. New varieties are being bred reaching only 3 to 5 metres.
Eucalyptus essential oil has a number of uses. It is a sinus-decongestant when inhaled in diluted form. It can relieve asthma either inhaled or using a diffuser. The oil can also be used for massage. Livestock often stand under Eucalyptus trees as it acts as an insect repellent. It can be a component in jet fuel, medical solvents, and dental hygiene. Undiluted, the oil is very strong. It should not be ingested and is toxic for dogs, cats and horses.
Further reading:
‘Eucalyptus: Hundreds of Household Uses’, 2012, Dobson, L., Flame Tree Publishing, ISBN 0857256183.
‘Gum: The Story of Eucalypts and Their Champions’, 2010, Hay, A., Duffy and Snellgrove, University of Chicago, ISBN I876631260.
Author bio:
Sarah Das Gupta is a young 81 year old. Loves writing haiku and most forms of poetry. Is learning to walk after an accident. Main outside interests include equine sports. Lives near Cambridge, UK. Read other sciku by Sarah here.