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Uses

Toxic parts

Citronellal, an essential oil found in most Eucalyptus species is reported to be mutagenic when used in isolation[1]. In large doses, oil of eucalyptus, like so many essential oils has caused fatalities from intestinal irritation[1]. Death is reported from ingestion of 4 - 24 ml of essential oils, but recoveries are also reported for the same amount[1]. Symptoms include gastroenteric burning and irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, oxygen deficiency, ,weakness, dizziness, stupor, difficult respiration, delirium, paralysis, convulsions, and death, usually due to respiratory failure[1].

Edible uses

Notes

An essential oil from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in baked goods, ice cream and sweets[2].

Unknown part

Material uses

An orange dye is obtained from the leaves and green seedpods. It does not require a mordant[3]. Wood - pale, tough, strong and durable[4].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Eucalyptus leucoxylon.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow February/March in a sunny position in a greenhouse[5][6][7]. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°c[8]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in June, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability[8].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Eucalyptus leucoxylon. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil[8]. Prefers heavy clay soils but succeeds in most soils, including limestone[4]. Tolerates poor soils, especially those low in mineral elements[8]. Tolerates dry soils and also drought once it is established[8]. Plants grow well in dry-summer climates[9].

This species is not very hardy in Britain though it experiences frosts in the wild[4]. Another report says that it can tolerate temperatures down to about -8°c[9]. It might be worthwhile trying it outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions[8]. The members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones[8]. Eucalyptus monocultures are an environmental disaster, they are voracious, allelopathic and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation[8]. Plants are shallow-rooting and, especially in windy areas, should be planted out into their permanent positions when small to ensure that they do not suffer from wind-rock[10]. They strongly resent root disturbance and should be container grown before planting out into their permanent position[5].

The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop[8].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Eucalyptus leucoxylon. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Eucalyptus leucoxylon.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Eucalyptus leucoxylon
Genus
Eucalyptus
Family
Myrtaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Eucalyptus leucoxylon1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Eucalyptus leucoxylon1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Eucalyptus leucoxylon1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Eucalyptus leucoxylon1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops - (1983-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Holliday. I. and Hill. R. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller Ltd. ISBN 0-85179-627-3 (1974-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  6. ? Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  7. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.9 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)
  10. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)

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