A mature eucalyptus may take the form of a low shrub or a very large tree. source
A mature eucalyptus may take the form of a low shrub or a very large tree.
Nearly all eucalyptus are evergreen, but some tropical species lose their leaves at the end of the dry season. source
Nearly all eucalyptus are evergreen, but some tropical species lose their leaves at the end of the dry season.
As in other members of the myrtle family, eucalyptus leaves are covered with oil glands. source
As in other members of the myrtle family, eucalyptus leaves are covered with oil glands.
Four leaf phases are recognised in the development of a eucalyptus plant: the ‘seedling’, ‘juvenile’, ‘intermediate’, and ‘adult’ phases. source
Four leaf phases are recognised in the development of a eucalyptus plant: the ‘seedling’, ‘juvenile’, ‘intermediate’, and ‘adult’ phases.
The most readily recognisable characteristics of eucalyptus species are the distinctive flowers and fruit (capsules or "gumnuts"). source
The most readily recognisable characteristics of eucalyptus species are the distinctive flowers and fruit (capsules or "gumnuts").
Despite the prominence of Eucalyptus in modern Australia, estimated to contribute some 75% of the modern vegetation, source
Despite the prominence of Eucalyptus in modern Australia, estimated to contribute some 75% of the modern vegetation,
The oldest reliably dated macrofossil of Eucalyptus is a 21-million-year-old tree-stump encased in basalt in the upper Lachlan Valley in New South Wales. source
The oldest reliably dated macrofossil of Eucalyptus is a 21-million-year-old tree-stump encased in basalt in the upper Lachlan Valley in New South Wales.
It is useful to consider where Eucalyptus fossils have not been found. source
It is useful to consider where Eucalyptus fossils have not been found.
The current superdominance of Eucalyptus in Australia may be an artefact of human influence on its ecology. source
The current superdominance of Eucalyptus in Australia may be an artefact of human influence on its ecology.
Over 700 species of Eucalyptus are known; refer to the List of Eucalyptus species for a comprehensive list of species. source
Over 700 species of Eucalyptus are known; refer to the List of Eucalyptus species for a comprehensive list of species.
Most eucalypts are not tolerant of severe cold. source
Most eucalypts are not tolerant of severe cold.
Eucalyptus flowers produce a great abundance of nectar, providing food for many pollinators including insects, birds, bats and possums. source
Eucalyptus flowers produce a great abundance of nectar, providing food for many pollinators including insects, birds, bats and possums.
Eucalypts originated between 35 and 50 million years ago, not long after Australia-New Guinea separated from Gondwana. source
Eucalypts originated between 35 and 50 million years ago, not long after Australia-New Guinea separated from Gondwana.
The two most common hazards of eucalyptus species to people are fire and falling branches. source
The two most common hazards of eucalyptus species to people are fire and falling branches.
Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable (ignited trees have been known to explode); bushfires can travel easily through the oil-rich air of the tree crowns. source
Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable (ignited trees have been known to explode); bushfires can travel easily through the oil-rich air of the tree crowns.
