How many species of eucalyptus are there?
There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus, and almost all of them are native to Australia. Eucalypts dominate about three-quarters of the country's forests.
Eucalypts, often called gum trees, range from small shrubby mallees in dry country to giant forest trees over 90 metres tall. Most belong to the genus Eucalyptus, with close relatives in the genera Corymbia and Angophora.
Their leaves contain aromatic oils that give the bush its distinctive smell. Many eucalypt leaves hang vertically, reducing water loss in hot sunshine. The oils are also highly flammable, which is one reason Australian forests burn so intensely.
Adapted to fire
Many eucalypts survive bushfires by sprouting new shoots from buds hidden under thick bark or from woody swellings called lignotubers at the base. Some species need fire for their seeds to germinate.
Koalas, greater gliders and many insects depend on eucalyptus leaves for food, while honeyeaters, lorikeets and bees feed on the flowers' nectar. Hollows in old eucalypts shelter parrots, owls and possums.
Eucalypts have been planted widely overseas for timber, paper and oil, from California to India and Brazil, where some have become invasive.
Did You Know?
The name eucalyptus comes from Greek words meaning well covered, referring to the cap that covers the flower bud.