By far the most common variety of Eucalyptus in Corsica and worldwide. Nicknamed "Blue Gum" due to the bluish reflections of its leaves, globulus is the emblem of Tasmania. However, it originates from the neighboring island, Australia. Its name "globulus" comes from the operculum-like shape of its fruits. This characteristic may have influenced the very name Eucalyptus. In Greek, "eu" means "well" and "calyptos" means covered. Perhaps a nod to the tree's small opercula?
In its native habitat, Australia, Eucalyptus globulus can reach up to 130m in height, making it one of the tallest trees in the world.
A heavy water consumer, it often prevents other species from growing around it and harms biodiversity. Eucalyptus forests are often referred to as "green deserts." Its rapid and exponential growth makes it one of the most sought-after trees for paper production. But for these same reasons, it is also considered too "invasive." In Portugal, where it has been massively planted, Eucalyptus is responsible for giant fires, the disappearance of certain plant species, and soil sterility. In Corsica, on the contrary, globulus has had a beneficial effect! Planted in the marshy areas of the Eastern Plain, the trees dried and sanitized the marshes, thus preventing diseases like Malaria.
Distilled from spring, Eucalyptus globulus leaves yield a very powerful essential oil, used for its virtues since the 1920s!
Prototype of cineole-rich essential oils, today we tend to prefer softer, gentler essential oils, such as camaldulensis or Myrte, its Corsican cousin.
Nevertheless, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is extremely interesting, especially in the cases described below by specialists.
If you are not familiar with this essential oil, we recommend you read how Christian Escriva talks about the mentholated fragrance of Eucalyptus globulus in his book "Les huiles essentielles corses" (Corsican Essential Oils).
He describes it as a great breath of fresh air, "a feeling of momentum, of renewal, like when health is regained after a long illness and one has the desire to go back into the full light."
