Eucalyptus elata

River peppermint
Eucalyptus elata, Melbourne
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eucalyptus
Species: E. elata
Binomial name
Eucalyptus elata
E. elata, field distribution

Eucalyptus elata, River peppermint, River white gum, is a medium to tall tree with rough bark on the lower trunk, compact with narrow longitudinal fissures, dark grey, shedding above in long ribbons, often remaining in the crown, to leave a smooth, grey, cream or whitish surface.

Adult leaves are stalked, narrow-lanceolate to lanceolate to 12 x 2.8 cm, green.

White flowers appear in spring to summer.

Distribution occurs on the central tablelands and southern coastal ranges of New South Wales and adjacent areas in Victoria.

E. elata is widely cultivated as a street and ornamental tree for its beautiful upper smooth bark, rich green foliage and profusion of flowers that appear in spherical masses.[1]

The leaves have been distilled commercially for a piperitone based essential oil.[2]

References

  1. Brooker, M.I.H. & Kleinig, D.A. Field Guide to Eucalyptus, Bloomings, Melbourne 2001
  2. Boland, D.J., Brophy, J.J., and A.P.N. House, Eucalyptus Leaf Oils, 1991, ISBN 0-909605-69-6


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