Eucalyptus

'Eucalyptus' any member of the genus, Eucalyptus, belonging to the Myrtaceae family. These plants grow indigenously in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. Eucalyptus was introduced in Bangladesh in the early part of last century for ornamental and afforestation purposes and for wood production.

Some species are valuable for fuel and lumber. Eucalyptus oil is classed as a flavour and is used in perfumes. It is medicinally used as an antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge and carminative. Extracts of Eucalyptus leaves are also used in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, whooping cough, wounds and ulcers. [Abdul Ghani] [Ghani, Abdul Professor of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University]