Eucalyptus or Gum trees have attractive blue tinged, evergreen foliage that is wonderfully aromatic. The exfoliating bark comes in shades of creams, greys and browns to add further interest and make it a great year round feature tree. We offer several varieties, including those with intriguing disc shaped foliage or a dwarf habit for small gardens.

Features of Eucalyptus Trees

Eucalyptus are a popular choice of evergreen tree, offering year round interest in the form of silvery foliage and striking, chalky, exfoliating bark. The leaves have a distinctive camphoraceous scent of mint and pine and come in a variety of shapes from long and slender to circular. Those with circular foliage are often referred to as Spinning Gum trees. Unusual fluffy-looking flowers provide added interest in spring/summer. The flowers have no petals, instead displaying fluffy stamens which may be coloured white, cream, yellow, pink or red.

Despite several Eucalyptus species being among the tallest trees in the world, those you will find on this website are suitable for growing in gardens and include a dwarf variety ideal for small gardens.

Growing Eucalyptus Trees

Eucalyptus like a sunny position. They can tolerate a range of soils but prefer a moist, well-drained site.

Etymology & Distribution of Eucalyptus Trees

The etymological root of the name Eucalyptus comes from the Greek eu meaning ‘good‘ and kalyptos meaning ‘covered’, referring to the calyx which covers the flowers when in bud. Eucalyptus trees are commonly known as gum trees due to the sap that seeps from cracks in the bark. Eucalyptus are part of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus tree, mostly native to Australia, with only fifteen species occurring outside Australia.

Uses of Eucalyptus Trees

Not only do Eucalyptus trees hold aesthetic value, they have several other, more functional features, mainly involving the sap or oil extracted from the bark and leaves. Eucalyptus oil can be found in some medicinal products such as cough drops, decongestants, antiseptic treatments and as a natural insecticide. It is antimicrobial so extracts of the oil are used in personal care products such as deodorant, soap and toothpaste. It is also used in cleaning products and as an in industrial solvent.

In very low levels it can be used in some sweets and confectionery. Although the oil can be toxic in large quantities, koalas and possums are relatively tolerant of it and are known for eating Eucalyptus leaves, so many in fact, that they develop a distinctive Eucalyptus odour.