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Revision as of 08:13, 30 September 2002 by 128.250.6.134 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Eucalyptus is a genus 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. Eucalyptus can be found in every part of the country, adapted to virtually all of Australia's climatic conditions. Some species are eaten by koalas. Eucalypti have become naturalized in California and Israel.
All eucalypti 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 food supplements, 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 tree practically explodes when flames reach it. Although bush fires are considered dangerous to populated areas, the Eucalyptus genus over time has developed relying on fire for natural regeneration. Hence the quandry, human development in forests that rely on bush fires. The plant was introduced to the West by Joseph Banks, a botanist on the Cook expedition in 1768.