Eucalyptus dives
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| Eucalyptus dives Schauer |
Eucalyptus dives or broad-leaved peppermint is a small tree native to temperate dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests of south-eastern Australia. The juvenile leaves are ovate and glaucus, and adult leaves are lanceolate to broad-lanceolate. Leaves are aromatic and high in essential oils, with two notable chemical forms: a piperitone and cineole chemotype. Oil yield fresh weight is 4.7%.
The piperitone chemotype of E.dives has a peppermint like flavour and aroma. It is distilled for piperitone, which is used in the production of synthetic menthol. The leaves were also used as a colonial condiment, especially in combination with a brewed black Camellia sinensis 'billy tea'.
The cineole chemotype of E.dives is a generic type Eucalyptus oil, and is harvested and distilled commercially.
[edit] References:
- Boland, et al, Eucalyptus Leaf Oils - Use, Chemistry, Distillation and Marketing, ISBN 0-909605-69-6.
