Blue gum, Tasmanian blue gum
Eucalyptus globulus
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A spreading tree. It grows 15-50 m high. It spreads 10-25 m wide The bark is smooth and light yellow or grey. It sheds in strips. The inner bark is light green or brown. The young stems are square and the young leaves clasp the stems. They are oval and 15 cm long. The adult leaves are sickle shaped leaves 10-30 cm long. The flowers occur singly and are white to cream.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andes, Andorra, Australia (country/location of origin), Bolivia, Central America, Chile, East Africa, Ecuador, Madagascar, North America, Slovenia, South America, St Helena, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
An essential oil distilled from the fresh or dried leaves. It is used to flavour candies, baked goods, ice cream and baked goods. Caution: Eucalyptus oil is poisonous. The fruit (seeds?) are used for a drink in Spain.
Edible parts
Oil, caution, flavouring
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Biligoma, Eucalipto aromatico