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Revision as of 00:40, 21 April 2002 by PierreAbbat (talk | contribs) (sp; add koala)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Eucalypts are native to 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 climatic conditions. Some species are eaten by koalas.
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.