Eucalyptus

Dried / fresh leaves of

Eucalyptus globulus
Myrtaceae
Known as Blue Gum Tree
Both young & old leaves are
used for volatile oil
extraction
Only old leaves are used for
making Eucalyptus leaves
 Young leaves Old
leaves

Scimitar shape,short &

Ovate,cordate at base , twisted petioles
 Description
 Shape Ensiform in outline with acute
apex
 Lamina Thick , coriaceous , brittle when
dry
 Margin Entire , somewhat thickened
 Midrib Not prominent on either side
 Petiole Short & twisted
 Surface Glabrous , but punctate
Frequently marked with minute
warty brown spots
 Odour Strong camphoraceous when
fresh
 Microscopy
Isobilateral leaf
Lamina
 Epidermis both upper & lower
Thick cuticle
Over each gland a small
patch of modified cells
present
 Stomata sunken , anomocytic
 Palisade 2 – 3 rows on each side
 Mesophyll ovoid schizogenous oil
glands
calcium oxalate crystals near fibers of
veins in palisade & spongy tissue
 Midrib
 Epidermis continuous over
midrib
 Collenchyma below upper & above
lower epidermis
 Major portion occupied by vascular
bundle surrounded by incomplete
sheath of fibrous pericycle
 Xylem from different bundles together
form a bow shaped structure having
phloem on either side
 Calcium oxalate crystals are also seen
 Constituents

 Volatile oil
cineole
 Tannin

 Bitter principle

 Resins
 Uses
 Astringent
 Decongestant
 Relaxant in aroma therapy

 Used in asthma
Nasopharyngeal infections
Cough
Soaps , perfumes
 Internally in the form of mixtures ,
inhalation , lozenges ,
pastilles