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Eucalyptus Facts

Eucalyptus Facts
Eucalyptus tree is known as one of the tallest plants on the planet. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus that belong to the family Myrtaceae. Most eucalyptus species are evergreen plants. Besides in the form of trees, some species of eucalyptus develop as shrubs. Most species of eucalyptus are native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Eucalyptus is very important and highly exploited plant because of its wood and oil. Eucalyptus is commercially grown in tropical and subtropical areas all over the world. Since it absorbs huge quantities of water from the ground, eucalyptus can be used for draining of marshes. It can also eradicate malaria by destroying wet habitats which are required for development of mosquito's eggs. Unfortunately, drying of the soil negatively affects other plant species.
Interesting Eucalyptus Facts:
Size of eucalyptus depends on the species. Eucalyptus tree can reach 33 to 200 feet in height.
Leaves of eucalyptus have lanceolate shape. They are positioned downwards to prevent direct exposure to the sunlight (and consequent loss of water).
Leaves of eucalyptus are rich in oil that is used to alleviate symptoms of bronchitis, sore throat, nasal congestion…
Eucalyptus oil is also used as insecticide.
Koala's diet is completely based on the leaves of eucalyptus. Despite wide variety of available species of eucalyptus, only few of them are on the koala's menu.
Bark of eucalyptus tree is usually brown in color. Rainbow eucalyptus sheds its bark several times per year and reveals inner bark that is multicolored (red, blue, yellow, purple…).
Most species of eucalyptus shed their bark once per year. Bark can be removed in long ribbons, spongy pieces, furrowed and rough pieces or small flakes.
Some insects lay eggs and feed on the bark of eucalyptus tree. They leave specific marks on the bark that look like man-made scribbles.
Eucalyptus tree has unique strategy to survive fires that are usual for the Australian forests. Deep inside the tree and inside the roots, eucalyptus has dormant shoots. They will germinate only under the influence of hormones that are triggered by heat (of the fire).
Eucalyptus is also known as "gum tree" because of the sticky rubbery substance that flows from the injured bark.
All parts of eucalyptus tree are used in the manufacture of dyes.
Eucalyptus has white, yellow, pink or red flowers. Beautiful color of the flowers is result of huge number of stamens (male reproductive organs). They do not have petals.
Insects, birds and small mammals (such as bats) pollinate eucalyptus flowers. They are attracted by delicious nectar that is produced in big quantity.
Fruit of eucalyptus is called gum nut.
Lifespan of eucalyptus depends on the species. Most eucalyptus trees can survive more than 250 years in the wild.


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