Eucalyptus tereticornis

Eucalyptus tereticornis

Scientific Classification:

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

Synonyms:

Eucalyptus coronata Tausch ex Maiden

Eucalyptus insignis Naudin

Eucalyptus populifolia Desf.

Eucalyptus subulata A.Cunn. ex Schauer

Eucalyptus umbellata (Gaertn.) Domin

Leptospermum umbellatum Gaertn

Species ID: NMP-271;wfo-0000956012;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 183855

Common Names:

Forest red gum, blue gum or red irongum

Basic Description:

Eucalyptus tereticornis is a tall, evergreen tree that can reach heights up to 50 meters. It features a straight trunk with smooth bark that sheds in patches, revealing a white, grey, or bluish surface. The adult leaves are lance-shaped, measuring between 10 to 20 cm in length and 1 to 2.5 cm in width. The tree produces white flowers arranged in clusters of seven, nine, or eleven, and its fruit is a woody, hemispherical capsule.

Distribution and Habitat:

Native to eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, Eucalyptus tereticornis has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Nigeria. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes and is adaptable to a range of soil types, often found in open forests and woodlands.

Medicinal Properties:

The leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis are rich in cineole-based essential oils, which possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These oils are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions, such as colds and bronchitis, and are also utilized in the production of cough syrups and lozenges.

Known Toxicity:

While the essential oil derived from the leaves has medicinal applications, it should be used with caution. Ingesting large quantities can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is essential to use eucalyptus oil under professional guidance to avoid potential adverse effects.

Additional Information:

  • Ecological Role: Eucalyptus tereticornis plays a vital role in its native ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. It is also a significant source of nectar and pollen for bees, contributing to apiculture.
  • Economic Importance: The tree is valued for its hard and durable timber, used in construction, railway sleepers, and as fuelwood. Its rapid growth and adaptability make it a popular choice for reforestation and afforestation projects in tropical and subtropical regions.

References:

  1. Kew Science. (n.d.). Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593412-1
  2. Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Eucalyptus tereticornis. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_tereticornis
  3. World Agroforestry. (n.d.). Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Agroforestry Database. Retrieved from https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_tereticornis.PDF

External links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_tereticornis
  2. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eucalyptus+tereticornis
  3. https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_tereticornis.PDF
  4. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000956012
  5. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/58208-Eucalyptus-tereticornis
  6. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Eucalyptus~tereticornis

 More Pictures


Compounds of Eucalyptus tereticornis
References

Ogunwande, I. A., Olawore, N. O., Adeleke, K. A., & Konig, W. A. (2003). Chemical composition of the essential oils from the leaves of three Eucalyptus species growing in Nigeria. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 15(5), 297-301.