Eucalypts?are the most well known of all Australian trees. There are few Australian environments where you can't find Eucalypts. Statistics shows that eucalypts form three-quarters of the total Australian forest area. They are so prominent among the flora of Australia that they form an integral part of Australian lives and culture. There are famous novels, paintings, and music on Eucalypts.?

Eucalypts could be rather tall. In favorable conditions, some trees can grow over 100 meters. One of its species (E. amygdalin) is said to be the tallest tree known in the world. Due to their fast growing speed, they become invading species in some other places, like California.?

Many Eucalypts change the shape of their leaves from round leaves to spearhead or sickle-shaped as they get older. But a few kinds keep the round leaf shape all their lives. They are the food of many native animals. The much-loved koala typically eats the leaves of them.Their leaves emanate a kind aroma that infuses into the air. It is said that soldiers returning by ship from the wars were able to smell the aroma of the Eucalypts before the land was visible on the horizon.I think it is not rumour or exaggeration because when I got off from the airplane arrived in Launceston, I could smell the strong scent of their leaves.

Their flowers are very special in that they don’t consist of petals. The colorful bloom is provided by the stamens. The blossoms come in a kaleidoscope of colors, including white, sulphur, orange, vermilion, red, pink, lime and purple.

Their fruits are commonly called gumnuts. They are roughly cone-shaped and open at one end to release the seeds.

Since early settlement, Eucalypts have been a vital source of timber and firewood for Australians. Their sap can be used as adhesive resins.The oil distilled from their leaves is used for aromatherapy and in perfumes.