Eucalyptus dives

Eucalyptus dives
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Myrtales
Family:
Myrtaceae
Genus:
Eucalyptus
Species:
E. dives
Binomial name
Eucalyptus dives
Schauer

Eucalyptus dives or broad-leaved peppermint is a small tree. It is found in the temperate dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests of South-Eastern Australia. The leaves have a strong peppermint smell.

Uses

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Eucalyptus dives essential oil in clear glass vial

The leaves have a high oil content, about 4.7% of the leaf fresh weight. When the oil is distilled it can be used to produce methanol. The major producing region is eastern Transvaal, South Africa, where it is grown in commercial plantations.[1] The leaves have also been used as a flavouring in Australia, especially in brewed black Camellia sinensis 'billy tea'.

  • Pair of leaves: top-side and under-side
    Pair of leaves: top-side and under-side
  • Juvenile foliage of Eucalyptus dives
    Juvenile foliage of Eucalyptus dives
  • Flowers of Eucalyptus dives
    Flowers of Eucalyptus dives

References

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  1. ↑ Cribb, A.B. & J.W., Useful Wild Plants in Australia, Collins 1982, p23, ISBN 0-00-636397-0
  • Boland, et al., Eucalyptus Leaf Oils - Use, Chemistry, Distillation and Marketing, ISBN 0-909605-69-6.