The Importance of Eucalypts
Eucalypts are important to wildlife and people but are sometimes taken for granted in their home country.
Did you know that they are the world’s most widely planted hardwoods, providing firewood, building timber, woodchip for paper, eucalyptus oil and a rich source of nectar.
Eucalypt plantations can be found in more than 90 countries, with the largest in Brazil at over 1 million hectares. Portugal and Spain produce more than 50% of the world’s eucalyptus oil, with Australian production being only about 5%.
Eucalypts are an important wildlife habitat. Tree hollows and bark provide nesting and refuge sites for native animals. Leaves, nectar, pollen and seeds are important food sources for native animals and the introduced honey bee.
Just think of the market names for honey like Yellow Box, Jarrah, Redgum. Indigenous Australians have long used eucalypts for medicinal purposes, food and tools as well as shields, dishes, musical instruments and canoes.
The Garden has many eucalypt species including those on the Garlambirla Plant Walk, where the Blackbutt’s bark is identified for making boats and shelters, and the Bloodwoods for healing and men’s ceremonies.
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