Eucalyptus
Introduction
"Eucalyptus is a genus of more than 700 species of plants belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Eucalyptus plants are fast-growing evergreen trees and shrubs native to Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Eucalyptus trees can reach heights of up to 300 feet. Their bark is smooth to the touch and peels away easily. They are considered gum trees due to the sap excreted when the bark is broken. The most common variety of eucalyptus tree is called blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), which gets its name from its blue-green foliage.
Eucalyptus shrubs have a maximum height of about 30 feet tall. The shape and color of eucalyptus leaves varies greatly between species. The most common varieties have glossy green, oval-shaped leaves that narrow to a point. Some less mature varieties will have rounder leaves that are a dusty green color. Eucalyptus leaves make up the majority of the diet of Australian koalas, which eat roughly a pound of leaves a day. Today, eucalyptus plants are grown all over the world for their menthol-like fragrance and medicinal properties." - Master Class: Eucalyptus Plant Guide
Problems with Eucalyptus
Wildfires
Benefits of Eucalyptus
Primary Food for Koalas
Ways to Support Eucalyptus
Reduce or Eliminate Deforestation
In Australia, livestock, particularly cattle and sheep farming are the biggest drivers of human-related deforestation.
Farmer Actions
If you are a farmer, you can help protect forests by planting trees and switching to one or several alternatives to livestock.
Consumer Actions
Whether you are just a regular consumer or you have control over the menu for a school system, restaurant, cafeteria or other organization, you can help forests including the ones that are home to eucalyptus, by exploring the many plant-based alternatives to common animal products.
Plant & Grow Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus can be a problematic plant when grown in places where it is not native, but they are very important to species such as koala. Support conservation organizations and other groups by buying their saplings or seeds, if these trees and bushes are native to your area.