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A seedling eucalyptus tree
A seedling eucalyptus tree, Eucalptus sp., in Australia. The tendency to hold the leaves thus, presenting a minimum surface area to the sun, is an adaption to the withering effect of the harsh midday sun. The eucalypts are used as sources of hardwood timber, tannin and kinos. Eucalyptus oil can be distilled from the leaves, though only 20 spp. are commercially exploited. Medicinal oil is used in inhalants, embrocations, soaps, gargles & lozenges; it is an antiseptic & stain remover. Its active therapeutic agent is cineole. The oil is also used for industrial purposes as a deoderant and disinfectant, and as a source of piperitone from which thymol and menthol are manufactured.
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