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| Eucalypts are a type of ] very commonly found in ]. There are close to 600 species of eucalyptus native to Australia, and a much smaller number in New Guinea. Eucalypts can be found in every part of the country, adapted to virtually all of Australia's climatic conditions. Some species are eaten by ]s. | Eucalypts are a type of ] very commonly found in ]. There are close to 600 species of eucalyptus native to Australia, and a much smaller number in New Guinea. Eucalypts can be found in every part of the country, adapted to virtually all of Australia's climatic conditions. Some species are eaten by ]s. | ||
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All eucalytptus are evergreens. Eucalyptus leaves contain an essential oil which is a powerful natural disinfectant. The oil is readily distilled from the leaves, and can be used for cleaning, deodorising, and in very small quantities in foodstuffs, especially cough drops and decongestants. Sometimes on a warm day, a haze of eucalyptus oil rises above the bush. | ||
| Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable, contributing to the danger of ]s. | Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable, contributing to the danger of ]s. | ||
| The plant was introduced to the West by ], ] on the ] expedition in ]. | |||
Revision as of 10:26, 3 August 2002
Eucalypts are a type of tree very commonly found in Australia. There are close to 600 species of eucalyptus native to Australia, and a much smaller number in New Guinea. Eucalypts can be found in every part of the country, adapted to virtually all of Australia's climatic conditions. Some species are eaten by koalas.
All eucalytptus are evergreens. Eucalyptus leaves contain an essential oil which is a powerful natural disinfectant. The oil is readily distilled from the leaves, and can be used for cleaning, deodorising, and in very small quantities in foodstuffs, especially cough drops and decongestants. Sometimes on a warm day, a haze of eucalyptus oil rises above the bush.
Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable, contributing to the danger of bush fires.
The plant was introduced to the West by Joseph Banks, botanist on the Cook expedition in 1768.