Eucalyptus dives

Schauer

Native peppermint, Broad-leaved peppermint

Myrtaceae Edible: Leaves, Leaves - tea Potential hazards — see below 683 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Eucalyptus dives, commonly known as the broad-leaved peppermint or blue peppermint, is a species of tree that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It has rough, finely fibrous bark on the trunk and larger branches, smooth bark above, lance-shaped or curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of eleven or more, white flowers and cup-shaped, hemispherical or conical fruit.

Description

A tree with a short trunk. It grows 25 m tall and spreads 15-20 m wide. The young leaves do not have stalks and are heart shaped. The older leaves are sword shaped and 15 cm long. The flowers are small and white.

Edible Uses

The fresh or dried leaves are used for seasoning and as a source of essential oil for flavoring sauces, dressings, desserts, and dairy foods. Dried leaves are used to make tea.

Traditional Uses

The fresh or dried leaves are used for seasoning. They are also the source of an essential oil. This is used to favour sauces, dressings, desserts and dairy foods. The dried leaves are used for tea. Caution: Eucalyptus oil is poisonous.

Known Hazards

Eucalyptus oil is poisonous.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is native to NSW and Victoria in Australia.

Where It Grows

Australia*, North America, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA,

References (6)

Alice, L. & O'Quinn, T., Australian Bush Superfoods. Explore Australia p 122
Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 207
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 140
Robins,
Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 150

Show all 6 references