Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus camaldulensis - River Red Gum: Kongolia on Marne River, South Australia

The Eucalyptus is named after the Greek word ‘eu’, which means good, well or right, and the word ‘kalypto’, which means cover, conceal or hide, in reference to the caps that cover the plant’s flowers. French botanist Charles Louis L'Héritier coined the name in 1788 after examining specimens collected during Captain Cook's voyages, noting this unique 'well-covered' feature.

Mostly indigenous to Australia, eucalyptus have increasingly become a favoured foliage across the world, not just for its beauty but also for its spiritual and medicinal properties.

Many indigenous Australians consider the eucalyptus a sacred tree for healing and clearing negative energy. The genus of Australian evergreen tree, commonly referred to as a 'gum tree', is well known for its aromatic oils, used medicinally and industrially.

Eucalyptus leaf visual qualities

The majority of eucalyptus leaves are 'lanceolate', reflecting their lance-like, singular point. In visual and compositional terms, this allows the individual leaves to be considered as independent but related lines, much as would be used in the creation of a drawing. This is in opposition to the types of plants that have more rounded, multi-point leaves, which are more difficult to compose harmoniously and in ways that can create movement and rhythm.

The visual qualities of the eucalyptus translate to the kinetic forms of fabric printing, echoing the flow of folds and layering beautifully in a harmonious relationship between the inspiration source and final artifact.

I love using eucalyptus leaves as my ecoprint motif for several reasons:

The unique leaf shape and the variety of eucalyptus species add a distinctive touch to each ecoprint, every outcome a reflection of the individual qualities of the eucalyptus tree's shape, character, age, and aura.

The health benefits of eucalyptus, while not immediately noticeable, are palpable. The steaming process of printing fills the studio with an aroma that is intoxicating, evocative, and cleansing.

The philosophy of eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is considered a sacred tree, representing the separation of the underworld, Earth, and heaven. Eucalyptus is said to have a purifying and cleansing effect, similar to sage, which clears negative energy where it is burned. This plant can also be used in amulets and bags for health and protection.

Lilya Kusumasari - December 2025

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