Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree in the Myrtle family and native to Australia and Tasmania, serving as that country’s official emblematic tree. It is now found in many other countries with a warm and temperate climate, especially around the Mediterranean Basin. Eucalyptus has a straight trunk with smooth, ash grey bark that can have areas of reddish-brown. It sheds its bark every winter, which allows the tree to grow in height and diameter. In Australia, it has been known to reach 100 meters. In southern Europe, eucalyptus pulp has long been used to make high quality paper. The essential oil from its leaves is used in aromatherapy to help clear respiratory passageways.