The following text is for questions 8 to 12.

Eucalyptus

    Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia and Tasmania. The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus plant are used for medicinal purposes. Eucalyptus oil consists of volatile oil extracted from fresh leaves and branch tops of the eucalyptus plant. Topical ointments which contain eucalyptus oil have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections.

    There are many species of eucalyptus. Some are the size of an ornamental shrub and some grow to be giant trees. The type of eucalyptus that is most often used medicinally is called blue gum or Australian fever tree. It can grow as high as 230 feet. Its 4-12 inch leaves are dark green and shiny. Its blue-gray bark peels to reveal a cream-coloured inner bark.

    Teas containing eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. The therapeutic uses of eucalyptus soon spread to other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian and Greco-European.

9. What kind of eucalyptus is used for medicine?