Common Name: Eucalyptus
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus
Family: Myrtaceae
Creative Curves:
Eucalyptus is used to add colour and texture to arrangements. It also has a wonderful fragrance that benefits any design.
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| (Photos courtesy of the California Cut Flower Commission) |
There are several varieties of Eucalyptus:
• Baby Blue (E. pulverulenta ssp) has round, oval leaves on a very straight stem.
• Seeded eucalyptus (E. rudis) is available in the fall and
winter. It has elongated, grey-green foliage with clusters of seeds.
• Silver dollar Eucalyptus (E. polyanthemos) has round, flat leaves that hang off the stems.
• Cider gum Eucalyptus (E. gunnii) has more compact foliage with grey-green leaves.
• Willow or feather Eucalyptus (E. nicholii) has long, narrow grey-green leaves.
Design Tips:
Before using, stems should be re-cut and put in lukewarm water with floral food. Lower leaves that are below the water line should be removed. When the stems are stripped of leaves, a sticky white residue is released, which is easily removed by washing with lotions or soap that contain lanolin. Eucalyptus should never be exposed to freezing temperatures. Available year-round, Eucalyptus is long lasting.
 Origin:
Eucalyptus comprises over 700-800 species, and accounts for more than two-thirds of Australia's vegetation. They populate almost every habitat in Australia.
All eucalypts are evergreen, although some species have deciduous bark. Eucalyptus oil is readily distilled from the leaves and can be used for cleaning and in very small quantities in food supplements, especially sweets, cough drops and decongestants. In large quantities, the oil can be toxic.
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