Debbie Myers
Biology 4400
April 1, 2002
Eucalyptus Trees
“The first Eucalyptus trees were planted in California in 1856. From 1870 on they were widely planted for windbreaks, firewood, shade and beauty.”(Sunset Pg.281)
“Eucalyptus was pest-free until 1984, when the eucalyptus long-horn beetle was observed in Southern California.” (Sunset, Pg.281)
The blue gum leaf is the leaf you will see most, since it is said that eighty percent of all eucalyptus, in the United States as well as their native Australia, are Blue Gum trees.
“Most Eucalyptus trees exude a gummy substance, which accounts for the gum in the name. The flowers, stems, barks, buds and fruit as well as the leaves, contain an aromatic oil. Eucalyptus means well covered. Each flower bud is covered by a cap when it’s ready to bloom the cap will blow off.”(World Book, Pg.376)
In the United States some of the trees can grow to be over 100 feet tall. When they start to get too big, sometimes the trunk will divide.
The true bark sheds in strips during summer and early fall.
“Manufacturers use eucalyptus lumber for ships, railroad ties, paving blocks, telegraph poles, fences and piers. The trees furnish a resin, called Botany Bay kino, that protects the wood against shipworms and other borers. The bark of some of the trees furnishes tannin, which is used in medicine. The leaves contain a valuable oil that is used as an antiseptic, a deodorant and a stimulant.”(P.376)
Some of the problems with eucalyptus trees is that birds who do not have a long narrow bill can get their bills sealed shut and actually suffocate. Also the oils in eucalyptus trees are extremely flammable, therefore when they do catch on fire the fire id tremendously hot and will burn just about anything in it’s path.
WORKS CITED