Essential Oils and Aroma Chemicals from Eucalyptus Globulus Labill.

Eucalyptus globulus Labill., which is used in Spain for cellulose and paper production, is grown under an integrated reforestation program. In addition to its importance in the pulp and paper industry, the leaves of E. globulus are used to produce an important essential oil from which 1,8-cineole is isolated. Essential oils can also be obtained from the flowers and fruits of this same tree. Commercial amounts of a resinoid absolute are also obtained from the leaves.

History

The species, Eucalyptus globulus, was discovered in Tasmania in 1792 by Labillardiere. The origin of the name globulus is not clear, but the leaves do contain globular oil glands, which can be seen by permeating light.

In 1803 a Eucalyptus species was cultivated in the monastery of Camaldules in Naples, whereafter this tree received the name Eucalyptus camaldulensis and also Eucalyptus rostrata. The Eucalyptus globulus species was already present in Portugal in 1829, probably introduced by missionaries who brought seeds over from Tasmania. Ramel imported the Eucalyptus globulus in Spain in 1854.

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