Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus dives)

Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus dives)
[size=75]From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [/size]

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.

Categories: Bushfood | Myrtales of Australia | Eucalyptus | Tree stubs

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