Swamp Mahogany, Eucalyptus Gum

Eucalyptus robusta

Physical Characteristics

Eucalyptus robusta is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Gum None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antibacterial Antifungal Antirheumatic Epilepsy Febrifuge Malaria The tree is reported to have significant antimalarial activity[303 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used in both Africa and China for treatment of malarial fever[299 ]. In Mauritius and Réunionthe leaves are used for baths, inhalations and infusions to treat fever, colds, cough and influenza. Inhalation is also recommended for treatment of asthma and sinusitis, and infusions are taken against diabetes[299 ]. A decoction of the leaves is used in baths to treat stiffness, rheumatism and epilepsy[299 ]. In Madagascar a handful of buds is rubbed and squeezed, and the sap is applied to the nostrils to relieve headache[299 ]. The essential oil has shown antibacterial and antifungal activity[299 ]. Ethanol extracts of the leaves have shown antioxidant activity[299 ]. Phenolic compounds with activity against the malaria-inducing protozoan Plasmodium bergheihave been isolated from the leaf[299 ].

Known Hazards

Citronellal, an essential oil found in most Eucalyptus species is reported to be mutagenic when used in isolation[ 269]. In large doses, oil of eucalyptus, like so many essential oils has caused fatalities from intestinal irritation[ 269 ]. Death is reported from ingestion of 4 - 24 ml of essential oils, but recoveries are also reported for the same amount[ 269 ]. Symptoms include gastroenteric burning and irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, oxygen deficiency, ,weakness, dizziness, stupor, difficult respiration, delirium, paralysis, convulsions, and death, usually due to respiratory failure[ 269 ].