Home Among The Gum Trees
Eucalyptus trees, I think will always have a special place in my heart. From the first moment we flew over Australia, the eucalyptus tree was what we saw, thousands upon thousands of them scattered over orange-yellow sand. It is a sight I will never forget.
Anyway, what does Eucalyptus mean? Quite literally it translates to well covered - eu = well, calyptos = covered. With roughly 800 species of Eucalyptus, it's no wonder they inhabit nearly every part of Australia (although they struggle in our barren deserts). Although mostly endemic to Australia, there are a handful of species that can also be found in Timor, New Guinea, Sulawesi, and one species; the Rainbow Gum - Eucalyptus deglupta, that is found on the Philippine Island of Mindanao.
There are 3 main groups:
. Eucalyptus
. Corymbia
. Angophora
Most falling predominantly into the Eucalyptus group, but all belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Corymbia contains roughly 100 species, Angophora consists of roughly 10-ish species and Eucalypts consists of roughly 700 species!
DID YOU KNOW:
Eucalyptus trees are amongst some of the tallest trees on Earth! With the Eucalyptus regans being the world's tallest flowering tree!
DID YOU KNOW:
Eucalyptus trees are amongst some of the tallest trees on Earth! With the Eucalyptus regans being the world's tallest flowering tree!
They are also quite old, with some of the oldest fossils of fruits, flowers and leaves dating to 52 million years old. Roots of eucalyptus trees date back to when Australia was part of Gondwana.
Eucalyptus trees are classified as evergreen trees, meaning they keep their leaves all year round, they are also sclerophylls, meaning hard leaved. Their leaves are very unique. They are packed with oil glands which provide a distinct scent designed to protect the tree from being attacked by pests. The stuff that does this is called cineole.
"Cineole is a colorless, liquid organic compound. It’s sometimes also called eucalyptol because there’s so much of it in eucalyptus trees and shrubs. The fragrance of eucalyptus is primarily that of cineole." - Ambientbp.com
There are very few creatures that can actually process the high concentrations of cineole found in these trees, some of the few animals that can are ringtail possums, some insects, and, of course, the iconic koala bear.
DID YOU KNOW:
"In 2013, biologists discovered that a yellow box tree (Eucalyptus mellidora) in sheep paddock in New South Wales could change the smell of its leaves from one side to the other to protect itself against attack." - ABC News Australia
"In 2013, biologists discovered that a yellow box tree (Eucalyptus mellidora) in sheep paddock in New South Wales could change the smell of its leaves from one side to the other to protect itself against attack." - ABC News Australia
The flowers of the Eucalyptus tree are also rather unique as they have no petals. Instead, they have heaps and heaps of stamens emerging from their 'bud'. They come in a beautiful variety of colors, from white, to pink, red, orange and lime green. Having masses of stamens though, means masses of pollen. This is because they have very few natural pollinators. Again, this is due to the high concentrations of cineole, this aromatic terpene helps ward of bacteria, mold and pests, but also wards off pollinators!
Eucalyptus pauciflora - The Snow Gum
I love this one, growing up to 30 meters, with green, turning silver foliage and beautiful white flowers, it is honestly a stunning feature. But its most stand out feature, it's 'snow white' trunk, and the gum nuts have faintly red tips!
Corymbia maculata - Spotted Gum
This gum is well known and very distinctive due to its blotched, patchy bark, the old bark forming darker patched and the newer being smooth and cream. Growing up to 30 meters, they have flushes of stunning white flowers surrounded by typical shaped eucalyptus leaves.
Eucalyptus sideroxylon - Red Ironbark aka Mugga Ironbark
This may be a stock standard, common as muck eucalyptus, but my gosh if you stop and look it is stunning! Growing between 20-30 meters, the ironbark has pink to red flowers and some very pretty foliage, being mostly pastel to rich green, in spring it develops flushes of new growth that can reach a fabulous bright blood red!
"Cineole is a colorless, liquid organic compound. It’s sometimes also called eucalyptol because there’s so much of it in eucalyptus trees and shrubs. The fragrance of eucalyptus is primarily that of cineole."
- Ambientbp.com
As we've already mentioned, Australia is home to hundreds of unique species of gum tree, let's have a bit of a look at a handful.Eucalyptus pauciflora - The Snow Gum
I love this one, growing up to 30 meters, with green, turning silver foliage and beautiful white flowers, it is honestly a stunning feature. But its most stand out feature, it's 'snow white' trunk, and the gum nuts have faintly red tips!
Corymbia maculata - Spotted Gum
This gum is well known and very distinctive due to its blotched, patchy bark, the old bark forming darker patched and the newer being smooth and cream. Growing up to 30 meters, they have flushes of stunning white flowers surrounded by typical shaped eucalyptus leaves.
Eucalyptus sideroxylon - Red Ironbark aka Mugga Ironbark
This may be a stock standard, common as muck eucalyptus, but my gosh if you stop and look it is stunning! Growing between 20-30 meters, the ironbark has pink to red flowers and some very pretty foliage, being mostly pastel to rich green, in spring it develops flushes of new growth that can reach a fabulous bright blood red!
Eucalyptus obliqua - Messmate Stringybark aka Tasmanian Oak
This one is a bit big for your average yard as it reaches up to 90 meters tall! Older limbs have a lovely stringy texture, whereas the younger ones choose a smooth appearance, but both have a reddish bark. With fluffy, myrtle-like flowers it's definitely one to attract the wildlife.
Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'
Now this one you can easily plant in your garden as it only grows to 8 meters with a stunning weeping habit, quite a difference huh! With yellow, red or pink flowers it definitely attracts some wildlife, your nectar eating birds will love it!
Corymbia citriodora - Lemon Scented Gum
Well as the name suggests, this gum has a unique smell, lemon! Its leaves are lemon scented, and they can get quite strong, and makes a good insect repellent! It does get quite large, reaching 20 meters tall, but has gorgeous fluffy white flowers that the honeybees will buzz for!
Corymbia ficifolia - Red Flowering Gum
On average this collection (as there are a few cultivars) grow between 4-8 meters, and can produce white, yellow, orange, pink or red feathery flowers. Some pretty dwarfing varieties include 'Dwarf Orange', 'Lollypops' and 'Wild Fires'.
DID YOU KNOW: Traces of gold have actually been found stored in gumtree leaves - ABC News
Eucalyptus have many uses, especially Eucalyptus globulus. Worldwide the oils are used in disinfectants, aromatherapy, bug repellents, and deodorising. The wood is also used in construction, kitchen counters, and furniture. The oils are also used in medicines for coughs, colds, congestion, as well as relieving joint and muscle pains, they have microbial, antifungal properties and can even be found used for dental care!
So the next time your sick, remember, that gum tree down the road is helping you out.
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