Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Enormous genus of the family Myrtaceae with more than 700 species, the botanical symbol of Australia and one of the most important arboreal genera in the world for its forestry, medicinal, and ornamental uses. Eucalypts are fast-growing trees adapted to a very wide range of climatic conditions: from the tropical zones of northern Australia to the alpine forests of the southeast. They dominate the Australian landscape and have been massively introduced into all regions of the world, mainly for their timber, essential oil (cineole), and phytoremediation capacity. Some species possess some of the most spectacular flowers in the plant world — pompom-like, petalless flowers whose beauty lies in their stamens.