Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Eucalyptus oil is a volatile aromatic oil derived from the leaf glands of many eucalyptus species, such as the black peppermint tree and Tasmanian bluegum. It is primarily used for its medicinal properties, serving as an active ingredient in expectorants and inhalants.1

Eucalyptus is a large genus of over 660 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia. Many species are cultivated globally for timber, pulp, and paper production due to their rapid growth. The genus is economically significant within the order Myrtales. Some eucalyptus species also provide nectar and pollen for honeybees.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.