Common Name: Oil Mallee

General Information

Eucalyptus kochii is an evergreen tree or a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow from 3 - 12 metres tall[].
The leaves of some forms of this species contain high quantities of essential oils, particularly eucalyptol (1,8-cineole). They are a major commercial source of essential oils, being harvested from the wild and also cultivated, the essential oil being widely traded for use in foods, medicines, cosmetics etc.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - western and southwestern Western Australia

Habitat

Found on flats and depressions, slight rises, and roadsides, growing on yellow-red sand, sandy clay and loam, gravel, laterite, granite, limestone[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus kochii is native to the Mediterranean and arid zones of southwestern Australia, with its hot, usually dry summers and mild, moister winters.
Eucalyptus species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in a wide range of well-drained, circumneutral soils of low to moderate fertility[].
The plant develops a lignotuber - this is a woody tuber that starts to develop near the base of seedlings and can become massive in the mature plants of some species. It possesses embedded vegetative buds, allowing the plant to regenerate following crown destruction, for example by fire[].
Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions[]. Many members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, and there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The essential oil in the leaves is used medicinally.

Other Uses

The leaves are a rich source of essential oil[[]. The main component is the monoterpene 1,8-cineole,also known as eucalyptol (up to 90 - 94%). It has a fresh mint-like smell and a spicy, cooling taste. In low concentrations (0.002%) it is used as a flavouring in various products, including baked goods, confectionery, and beverages; it is used in perfumery and cosmetic products, for medicinal purposes and is also effective as a mosquito repellent[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow late winter/early spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse[, , ]. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°c[]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in early summer, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability[].