Common Name: Green Mallee

General Information

Eucalyptus viridis is an evergreen multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree growing up to 10 metres tall[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a fuel. It is a potential commercial source of essential oils[]. It is one of the most important eucalypts for the distillation of essential oils according to another report[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - eastern South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Widespread but localized, often dominant in mallee shrubland on shallow light soils on rocky rises[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus viridis is native to the semi-arid climate ofsoutheastern Australia, where it is found at elevations from 200 - 300 metres. Rainfall can occur mainly in the summer or all year round, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 400 - 500mm. There can be from 1 - 10 frosts a year[].
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 obtained from the leaves contains a high proportion of 1,8-cineole (up to 93%). The oil has a range of therapeutic applications, being used especially as an antiseptic to treat respiratory conditions and externally on cuts etc[].

Other Uses

The leaves are a source of essential oil[].
An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. Total quantity of the oil, and its composition, can vary widely from plant to plant, but we have reports that the fresh leaves contain around 1.5 - 2.1% essential oil. The main components include up to 93% cineole plus pinene, aromadendrene, geraniol, cryptone[].
The essential oil contains a very high proportion (up to 93%) of the monoterpene ether 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol). 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 repellant[].

The yellow wood is hard and close-grained. It is generally of too small a size for anything other than rural use[].
The roots are an excellent and valuable local fuel[, ].

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[].