Eucalyptus

Description:

Eucalyptus is a different genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is an extensive source of wood and its oil is used for cleaning and functions as a natural insecticide. Further, it can also be used to drain swamps thus reducing the risk of malaria.

History:

The eucalyptus oil story began in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet and Surgeon-General John White. Within a few weeks of arriving, White recorded in his diary the presence of olfactory oil in the eucalyptus; the genus being named eucalyptus by the French botanist L’Heritier in the same year. Governor Philip sent a sample to Sir Joseph Banks. Surgeon-General White distilled a quart of oil from the “Sydney Peppermint”, Eucalyptus piperita Sm., which was found growing on the shores of Port Jackson, where Sydney now stands.

Color & Aroma:

Color : Colorless to pale yellow

Aroma : Eucalyptus essential oil has a soothing woody scent.

Constituents:

The main chemical components are a-pinene, b-pinene, a-phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, aromadendrene, epiglobulol, piperitone and globulol.

Uses:

Owing its properties of fast growth, this tree is mainly used for its wood and has various desirable features for use as ornament, timber, firewood and pulpwood. It is also used in a number of industries, from making fence posts to charcoal and cellulose extraction for biofuels.