Eucalyptus cloeziana

Eucalyptus cloeziana

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Genus: Eucalyptus
  • Species: E. cloeziana

Synonyms: Eucalyptus stannariensis F.M.Bailey

Species ID: NMP-266;wfo-0000954668;Taxonomy ID: 34320

Common Names: Gympie Messmate, Iron Gum

Local Names:

Basic Description: Eucalyptus cloeziana is an evergreen tree that typically grows to heights of 10–25 meters in shallower soils and up to 45 meters in deeper soils, with some specimens reaching 55 meters in plantations. The trunk is characterized by thick, rough, flaky to fibrous bark, brownish to grey on the trunk, transitioning to smooth grey to orange bark on the branches. Adult leaves are lance-shaped to curved, measuring 10–16 cm in length and 1.5–3 cm in width, displaying a dull green color on the upper surface and a much lighter shade on the lower side. The tree produces white flowers arranged in groups of seven, typically blooming in December and January. The fruit is a woody, hemispherical capsule about 0.5–0.7 cm long and wide.

Distribution and Habitat: Native to Queensland, Australia, Eucalyptus cloeziana has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa. It thrives in open forests and woodlands on tablelands and slopes, often becoming the dominant species in its habitat. The tree prefers well-drained, neutral to acidic, medium-textured soils and can be grown at elevations up to 2,350 meters. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature ranges from 16–27°C, with a mean annual rainfall of 700–2,000 mm, tolerating a dry season of up to five months.

Medicinal Properties: There are no widely documented medicinal uses for Eucalyptus cloeziana. However, the leaves yield up to 1.9% essential oil, with two forms distinguished: a pinene-rich form (containing up to 78% alpha-pinene) and a tasmanone-rich form (with up to 96% tasmanone). These compounds may have potential applications in aromatherapy and traditional medicine.

Antioxidant Activity: The essential oil demonstrated strong free radical scavenging abilities, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.8 µg/mL, indicating potent antioxidant potential.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: In vivo studies showed that the essential oil exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, with a 68.8% reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema, suggesting its potential in managing inflammatory conditions.

Antinociceptive (Pain-Relieving) Properties: The essential oil inhibited both neurogenic (81.3%) and inflammatory pain (80.3%) in formalin-induced pain models, indicating its analgesic potential.

Antimicrobial Activity: The essential oil was effective against several bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with inhibition zones ranging from 8.0 to 20.0 mm, highlighting its antimicrobial potential.

Known Toxicity: There are no widely documented toxic effects associated with Eucalyptus cloeziana. However, as with many eucalyptus species, the essential oils can be potent and should be used with caution. It is advisable to consult local knowledge before utilizing any part of the tree for medicinal purposes.

Additional Information:

  • Timber Use: The heartwood of Eucalyptus cloeziana is yellow-brown, heavy, strong, very tough, and highly durable, with high resistance to termites. It is utilized for poles, construction, furniture, and flooring. The wood dries fairly slowly, with a tendency to checking and warping, but with careful handling, good results can be obtained. It saws and works remarkably well, holds nails and screws effectively (pre-boring is necessary), and planes to an attractive finish.
  • Ecological Role: In its native habitat, Eucalyptus cloeziana contributes to the forest structure and provides habitat for various wildlife species. It is also used in reforestation efforts and as a pioneer species in disturbed areas due to its adaptability and rapid growth.

References:

  1. Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Eucalyptus cloeziana. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eucalyptus+cloeziana
  2. Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Eucalyptus cloeziana. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_cloeziana
  3. Nicolle, D. (2024). Classification of the eucalypts, genus Eucalyptus. Version 7.1. Retrieved from https://dn.com.au/Classification-Of-The-Eucalypts.pdf
  4. Ololade, Z. S., & Olawore, N. O. (2017). Characterization of Essential Oil from the Seed of Eucalyptus cloeziana and Evaluation of its Modes of Medicinal Potentials. Edorium Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3(1), 1-8.

External Links

  1. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eucalyptus+cloeziana#:~:text=The%20leaves%20yield%20up%20to,Southwell%20I.A.
  2. https://www.gbif.org/species/3176995
  3. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1074794-Eucalyptus-cloeziana
  4. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1079/cabicompendium.22603
  5. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eucalyptus+cloeziana
  6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_cloeziana

More Pictures


Compounds of Eucalyptus cloeziana
References

1. Ogunwande, I. A., Olawore, N. O., Adeleke, K. A., & Ekundayo, O. (2005). Volatile constituents from the leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell and E. propinqua Deane & Maiden from Nigeria. Flavour and fragrance journal, 20(6), 637-639.

2.Ololade, Z. S., & Olawore, N. O. (2017). Characterization of Essential Oil from the Seed of Eucalyptus cloeziana and Evaluation of its Modes of Medicinal Potentials. Edorium Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3(1), 1-8.