The first time I smelled these beauties, my sister had returned from California with some buds.They were so strange, mysterious, stinging musky, captivating and odd.
Years later, I end up in the land where they grow, some with lemony scented leaves, some with stinging medicinal odor. I love, love, love them.
Eucalyptus flowers, with hard, protective, cup-like structures
Greek roots
eu = well
calyptos = covered
In 1770, eucalyptus specimens made their way to Europe from Australia. Captain James Cook's explorations of the Australian coast allowed botanists to collect and catalogue several different species, bringing them to London. Over 700 species.
photos: lastor
