RIZALYN C.

ARMENIO PM201

Scientific classification Kingdom: (unranked): (unranked): (unranked): Plantae Angiosperms Eudicots Rosids

Order:
Family: Subfamily: Tribe: Genus:

Myrtales
Myrtaceae Myrtoideae Eucalypteae Eucalyptus

 It

is said that the Eucalyptus tree is one of the most useful trees in the world. Belonging to the Myrtacae family (the same family as Tea tree) Eucalyptus means well-covered which refers to the little cap that covers the flower before budding. A tall, water-loving tree. Eucalyptus is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, reaching heights of between 300- 480 feet. Growing in damp marshy areas on moist land and clays Eucalyptus is often found in hilly country or moist valleys in deep rich soils.

The lemon-scented eucalyptus tree is a tall, evergreen tree with a smooth gray, cream or pink bark; the leaves begin as oval shaped and mature to narrow, tapered leaves. The trunk of the lemon-scented eucalyptus tree is used for timber but is also cultivated as an ornamental tree. Traditionally, it has been used as an insect repellent for use with cockroaches and silverfish.

The broad-leaved peppermint eucalyptus tree is a medium sized tree with a gray bark; it has a short trunk. The leaves begin as blue and heartshaped and mature to thick, tapered leaves which are highly fragrant. Traditionally, the aborigine people used the burning leaves of the broad-leaved peppermint eucalyptus tree as a fumigator to relieve fever.

The blue gum eucalyptus tree is a tall, evergreen tree which grows up to 295 feet in height. Young trees have oval, bluegreen leaves which mature to narrow, long yellow leaves with creamwhite flowers; the bark of the mature blue gum eucalyptus tree is gray in color and sometimes covered in a white powder.

The gully gum eucalyptus tree is a tall tree growing up to 115 feet in height; it has long, narrow graygreen leaves and white flowers. The gully gum eucalyptus is found growing in gullies (hence its name) and in solitary spaces; it is native to the Australian states of south coastal New South Wales and eastern Victoria.

Eucalyptus regnans, a forest tree, showing crown dimension, Tasmania, Australia

Eucalyptus angustissima, showing shrub form, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Eucalyptus tetragona, showing glaucous leaves & stems

Eucalyptus platypus, showing marlock form, Melbourne

 Eucalyptus

has a swollen tuber-like root that allows for regrowth after catastrophic events such as fires. As long as this tuber is not allowed to freeze, the tree can regrow regardless of what has happened to it above the surface.

 The

leaves on a mature Eucalyptus plant are commonly lanceolate, petiolate, apparently alternate and waxy or glossy green. In contrast, the leaves of seedlings are often opposite, sessile and glaucous. Eucalyptus leaves are covered with oil glands

 Flowers

have numerous fluffy stamens which may be white, cream, yellow, pink or red; in bud, the stamens are enclosed in a cap known as an operculum which is composed of the fused sepals or petals or both. The flowers have no petals, but instead decorate themselves with the many showy stamens. As the stamens expand, the operculum is forced off, splitting away from the cup-like base of the flower; this is one of the features that unites the genus.

BARK

The appearance of Eucalyptus bark varies with the age of the plant, the manner of bark shed, the length of the bark fibers, the degree of furrowing, the thickness, the hardness and the color. The gum bark may be dull, shiny or satiny

Bark characteristics Stringybark consists of long fibres and can be pulled off in long pieces. It is usually thick with a spongy texture. Ironbark is hard, rough and deeply furrowed. It is impregnated with dried kino (a sap exuded by the tree) which gives a dark red or even black color. Tessellated bark is broken up into many distinct flakes. They are corkish and can flake off. Box has short fibers. Some also show tessellation. Ribbon this has the bark coming off in long thin pieces but still loosely attached in some places. They can be long ribbons, firmer strips or twisted curls.

USES OF EUCALYPTUS

 Eucalyptus

Oil is good for the respiratory system, and works great for people suffering from congestion, flu or pneumonia. It is often used by athletes to help relieve muscle soreness. It has a warming effect on the skin and muscles, and relieves pain. It is also used as a local application for ulcers and sores. Its fluid extract is used internally in cases of scarlet fever, typhoid and intermittent fever. Eucalyptus leaves can be used in potpourris, skin lotions and herbal bath.Its oil has a pleasant aroma and cooling properties. You can diffuse Eucalyptus into the air, for a refreshing smell.