The Kerala government has recently decided to plant eucalyptus trees, including species such as Eucalyptus grandis, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, etc.
About Eucalyptus trees:
- Eucalyptus is a genus of more than 700 species belonging to the myrtle family, and it is native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands.
- It is also known as Gum trees or stringybark trees.
- Most species are evergreen.
- Eucalyptus trees grow rapidly and attain great height.
- They have leathery leaves, capsule fruit surrounded by a woody cup-shaped receptacle, and flower petals form a cap.
- Eucalyptus trees are used for timber (fuel, furniture wood, paper and pulp industry, buildings, fencing, etc.).
- The leaf of major species is used for extracting Eucalyptus oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Eucalyptus oil and how is it extracted?
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of certain eucalyptus species and is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
What are evergreen trees?
Evergreen trees are plants that maintain their leaves throughout the year, unlike deciduous trees which shed leaves seasonally.
What does ‘myrtle family’ refer to in botany?
The myrtle family, or Myrtaceae, is a family of flowering plants known for species like eucalyptus and myrtle.
What are stringybark trees?
Stringybark is a term commonly used for several species of eucalyptus that have thick, fibrous bark.