Eucalyptus dives

taxobox
name = "Eucalyptus dives"

---

regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Eudicots
unranked_ordo = Rosids
ordo = Myrtales
familia = Myrtaceae
genus = "Eucalyptus"
species = "E. dives"
binomial = "Eucalyptus dives"
binomial_authority = Schauer|

"Eucalyptus dives" or broad-leaved peppermint is a small tree native to temperate dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests of south-eastern Australia. The juvenile leaves are ovate and glaucus, and adult leaves are lanceolate to broad-lanceolate. Leaves are aromatic and high in essential oils, with two notable chemical forms: a piperitone and cineole chemotype. Oil yield fresh weight is 4.7%.

The piperitone chemotype of "E.dives" has a peppermint like flavour and aroma. It is distilled for piperitone, which is used in the production of synthetic menthol. The leaves were also used as a colonial condiment, especially in combination with a brewed black "Camellia sinensis" 'billy tea'.

The cineole chemotype of "E.dives" is a generic type eucalyptus oil, and is harvested and distilled commercially.

References:

* Boland, "et al", "Eucalyptus Leaf Oils - Use, Chemistry, Distillation and Marketing", ISBN 0-909605-69-6.