Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Plant

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering plants in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), comprising more than 700 species of trees and some shrubs.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Eucalyptus is a genus of over 700 flowering plants in the myrtle family, mostly trees native to Australia and nearby islands. They are widely cultivated for timber, oil, and ornamentals around the world.

What it is

Eucalyptus is a large genus in the family Myrtaceae. In common usage, the term 'eucalypt' also includes related genera Corymbia and Angophora. Most species are evergreen trees with aromatic leaves and woody fruits, though some grow as mallees or shrubs.

Key details

Native to Australia, including Tasmania, and nearby islands, eucalyptus species have been widely introduced in temperate and subtropical regions. They are not native to Canada, but some are grown as ornamentals in greenhouses or mild coastal areas, and eucalyptus oil is sold here.

Why it matters

Eucalyptus trees are economically important for timber, pulp, oils, resins, and gums. They are used in forestry, as windbreaks, and for erosion control. The genus is also the primary food source for koalas, and some species are popular in landscaping.

In short

  • Over 700 species, mostly native to Australia.
  • Used for timber, oil, and ornamental planting.
  • Not native to Canada but grown in some areas.
  • Primary food for koalas.
Canadian angle

Eucalyptus is not native to Canada, but some species are grown as ornamentals in greenhouses or in mild coastal areas, and eucalyptus oil is sold and used in Canada.

Quick questions

What is eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, mostly trees native to Australia and nearby islands.
How many species of eucalyptus are there?
There are more than 700 species in the genus Eucalyptus.
What are eucalyptus trees used for?
They are used for timber, pulp, oils, resins, ornamentals, and in forestry and land management.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Eucalyptus
    Supports: Genus, family, native range, number of species, cultivation, and uses
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus
    Supports: Species count, family, growth forms, and common names
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eucalyptus
    Supports: Definition, growth form, and common uses
  4. Global Biodiversity Information Facility — https://www.gbif.org/species/100343042
    Supports: Taxonomic genus and distribution