Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as the Tasmanian blue gum, is a species of tall, evergreen tree endemic to southeastern Australia. It has rough, fibrous bark on the trunk and branches, usually smooth greyish bark, glossy green, lance-shaped to curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven, white flowers and hemispherical fruit.

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by the French botanist Jacques Labillardière in his 1800 work, Relation du Voyage à la Recherche de la Pérouse. The specific epithet (globulus) is derived from the Latin globulus, a little button or small sphere, referring to the shape of the operculum.

Description

Eucalyptus globulus is a tree that typically grows to a height of 45 m (148 ft) but can reach 90 m (300 ft). Young plants and coppice regrowth have sessile leaves arranged in opposite pairs, lance-shaped to egg-shaped, up to 150 mm (5.9 in) long and 70 mm (2.8 in) wide. Adult leaves are arranged alternately, the same glossy green on both sides, lance-shaped to curved, 150–300 mm (5.9–11.8 in) long and 17–30 mm (0.67–1.18 in) wide on a petiole 15–35 mm (0.59–1.38 in) long.

Distribution and habitat

Eucalyptus globulus is native to the state of Tasmania, Australia. It is found on subalpine areas where it is dominant in wet forests and rainforests on fertile soils in cool humid climates.

Uses

The tree's leaves are steam distilled to extract Eucalyptus oil. E. globulus is the primary source of global eucalyptus oil production, with China being the largest commercial producer. The oil has therapeutic, perfumery, flavoring, antimicrobial and biopesticide properties.

Conservation

The species is considered to be of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

See also

• List of Eucalyptus species