Eucalyptus globulus

Family: Myrtaceae

Common name: Gum tree

Eucalyptus globulus is a very large evergreen tree that grows between 40 to 55 meters tall. It has a straight, massive trunk and a narrow, irregular crown composed of large branches and drooping aromatic foliage. The bark is smooth, mottled in shades of grey, brown, and greenish or bluish, peeling off in long strips. The tree has a deep and spreading root system. The leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, mostly curved or sickle-shaped, thick, leathery, shiny, and dark green on both surfaces. When crushed, they release a camphor-like aromatic scent. The flowers grow singly at the base of the leaves on very short, flattened stalks, with white stamens and a camphor-like fragrance. The fruit is a seed capsule located at the leaf base, which is broadly top-shaped or rounded, containing many small, sterile seeds.

The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are highly valued for the extraction of eucalyptol, the key component of eucalyptus oil. This oil is widely used as an inhalant with steam and in other preparations for relieving cold and flu symptoms. It is also known for its antiseptic properties and is used to treat lung infections, gastrointestinal ulcers, and angina.