eukalyptus

Eukalyptus, also known as eucalyptus, is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Native to Australia and nearby islands, the genus comprises about 700 to 1000 species, ranging from small shrubs to tall forest trees. Eukalyptuses are characterized by evergreen foliage, aromatic essential oils, and bark that often sheds in ribbons or patches. Leaves are lanceolate in adults and typically glossy green; the essential oils, dominated by 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), give a distinctive scent and contribute to the plant's fire adaptation and insect deterrence.

Most species are fast-growing and drought-tolerant, adapted to a range of soils but usually preferring well-drained sites. They reproduce by seeds, and many species can also spread through suckers or cuttings. Flowers appear in umbrella-like inflorescences and are often showy, though the petals are small and the showy part is the numerous stamens.

Eukalyptus has substantial economic importance. Wood is used for timber, pulp for paper, and leaves or oil are distilled to produce eucalyptus oil, used in medicines, fragrances, and flavorings. Some species are planted widely in plantations for timber and as windbreaks or ornamental trees.

In non-native regions, several species have become naturalized or invasive, potentially displacing local vegetation and altering fire regimes. Eukalyptus forests tend to be highly flammable, and management practices often address fire risk and water use. Cultivation requires considerations of local climate, soil, and water availability, with many cultivars selected for size, growth rate, and oil content.