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Eucalyptus kruseana

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Eucalyptus kruseana (Book-leaf Mallee) is native to Australia. It's an evergreen, large shrub that grows from 5-10 ft tall. The leaves are gray-green, oval-shaped and very attractive in appearance. The flowers are bright yellow-orange and bloom in late winter or early spring.

Eucalyptus kruseana will thrive in full sun and needs moderate water when growing. This shrub is hardy to USDA Zone 10-11 and can be grown in a pot as long as it is well-drained. When planting, it always helps to add some compost or mulch to the soil. The shrub will benefit from occasional pruning to help keep a manageable shape.

For those living in colder climates who wish to grow this plant, Eucalyptus kruseana is best suited to a container. This will allow you to bring the plant inside during winter.

It is a beautiful, easy to maintain shrub and is sure to add a lovely, earthy feel to any garden. With its soft, white branchlets and stunning, yellow-orange flowers, this plant is sure to be the center of attention. If given the proper care, it will provide an eye-catching addition to the landscape for many years to come.

Eucalyptus leucoxylon

Eucalyptus leucoxylon is a big and beautiful tree which can grow taller than 20 ft. when fully mature. This majestic tree is native to Australia, where it grows in a range of climates and soils. It is perfect for those who are looking for a feature tree and can tolerate dry conditions. It thrives in full sun and in USDA zones 8-10.

It has an open, spreading crown and its bark is highly ornamental, featuring a beautiful gray-white background with patches of gray. The leaves of this tree are long, lance-shaped, and gray-green. In summer, the tree is adorned with magnificent clusters of flowers in shades of pink, white, off-white, and red.

If you live in colder regions, you can also grow Eucalyptus leucoxylon in a pot, making sure you provide it with protection from frost and snow. To keep it in optimal conditions, the pot-grown tree should be placed in an area of full sun and in soil that is well-drained. During dry periods, the soil should be watered frequently. Furthermore, the tree should be pruned regularly to promote fullness and further improve its appearance. If you take good care of your tree, it will reward you with its beauty and stately presence in your garden.

Eucalyptus macrocarpa

Eucalyptus macrocarpa typically grows to a height of 0.5 -8 m (1 ft 8 in-26 ft 3 in), has a sprawling or spreading habit, and forms a lignotuber. It has smooth, shiny, brownish over salmon-pink bark. Its crown is composed of juvenile leaves that are sessile, arranged in opposite pairs, heart-shaped with the bases wrapped around the stem, glaucous.

Eucalyptus sp.

Eucalyptus is an enormous and fascinating genus that accounts for more than two-thirds of Australia's vegetation. The only major environment where they are absent is rainforest. There are about 12 species which occur naturally outside of Australia, while around 700 are Australian endemics. Only 2 species are not found in Australia. One of these, Eucalyptus deglupta, is the only eucalyptus to be found growing naturally in the northern hemisphere, occurring in the southern Phillipines, New Guinea and Indonesia.

Essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus have attracted interest since the earliest days of settlement in Australia. One of the first articles of export from the newly established colony of New South Wales in 1788 was a quarter of a gallon of an essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of Eucalyptus piperita growing on the shores of Port Jackson. Eucalyptus therapeutic properties attracted interest of the botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller so he prompted a Victorian pharmacist colleague, Joseph Bosisto, to investigate the commercial production of its essential oil. In 1852 operations were started. This was the beginning of the Australian essential oil industry. By 1900 the industry was firmly established, and for the next fifty years Australia remained the world's largest supplier of eucalyptus oil.

Most species of Eucalyptus go through a change from round and stem-clasping juvenile foliage to long and willowy mature foliage. Some people think of Eucalyptus as those large trees in Australia with willowy leaves that Koalas eat, and others imagine cute little silvery stems used in floral bouquets. Indeed, they are both Eucalyptus: the smaller stems and leaves represent the young plants, and the long willowy leaves come from mature trees.

Many eucalyptus species from desert or subtropical regions have showy flowers, those are usually a bit more cold sensitive. Very often Eucalyptus is regarded as not being hardy outside of the subtropics, which discourages people from planting them in cooler areas. However, most of the species are cold hardy. Practically all of them can withstand some frost. A large number of species are very hardy, withstanding hard freeze for many hours. Some of them can be grown in real cold areas with snowy winters (USDA zone 8 or colder). Eucalyptus hardiness makes this tree very desirable for exotic gardeners in different types of climates.

Besides cold hardiness, these trees have many other advantages: they help to control aphids and other insects, most of them will grow rapidly even in poor soil (as fast as 12 ft per year), and they are very attractive. Eucalyptus foliage is excellent for cut foliage in floral arrangements.

Eucalyptus is much faster growing than most other trees in cultivation and once planted in the ground, can be expected to grow 6 - 12 ft each year, as long as the young tree is healthy and not root-bounded (this is why it is recommended to go with a smaller size eucalyptus plant - it will grow much faster and better than its bigger root-bounded sister). They never go dormant and are able to grow whenever they have access to water and a little warmth, regardless of time of the year. They do better in cultivation than they in their natural habitat in Australia as most gardens and landscapes offer good soil, and freedom from competition - neither of which they usually get in their homeland. A good heavy mulch around the base of the tree will be a big plus.

Eucalyptus torquata

Eucalyptus torquata is an evergreen tree with alternate gray- green leaves. The juvenile leaves are elliptical and the mature leaves are lanceolate. The flowers are large (up to 35 mm in diameter) and normally coral-pink but white, cream and red flowered plants are known.

Coral Gum is commonly cultivated for small gardens and for use as a street tree, especially in arid areas.

Eugenia aggregata, Eugenia involucrata

Eugenia aggregata (Cherry of the Rio Grande) is a small tree or shrub that originates from Brazil, growing between 10-20 ft tall with 2-3 inch long glossy, waxy, dark green leaves that have a center fold. The bark on mature plants peels off, creating a smooth, attractive trunk. It blooms in the spring and continues fruiting through the summer. The edible fruits are dark red to purple, one inch long and oblong, with a full cherry-like flavor. They are excellent fresh, frozen, and used in jams, jellies, and juices.

The Cherry of the Rio Grande is a slow grower, usually adding 2 to 3 feet of height per year. It's best trained as a bush or a small tree that can fit into limited space landscapes, and can even be grown in a container. Propagation is done through seeds and takes 4-5 years to produce fruit. The plant is fairly drought tolerant, but needs regular watering when flowering and fruiting, and should not be over-irrigated as it can cause root resiliency issues. It grows best in slightly acidic soil and is able to tolerate salt spray. The cherry of the Rio Grande is quite hardy, able to handle temperatures as low as the mid-20s F when it is a mature plant, though younger plants should be protected from frost.

The Cherry of the Rio Grande is packed with benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber. It is also believed to help treat throat issues and reduce inflammation. The fruit can grow in clusters of up to 10 and the plant can produce up to 20-50 lbs per year.

Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia dombeyi

Trees are attractive landscape specimens, especially when decked in ripe fruit. Eugenia braziliensis is an ideal choice for sunny and partially shaded seaside communities, tropical and subtropical areas. Although tolerant of hot conditions and fierce sun its fruit are more abundant in partial shade. It can tolerate drought periods, but for best production water deeply during dry spells. Fruits produced by Grumichama are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or used in making jams and jelly. It is an excellent source of fiber and healthy proteins, making it a great snack choice. A mature plant can produce up to about 500 fruits. Eugenia braziliensis is native to the coastal region of Brazil, yet is perfectly suited for container planting, making it a viable option for even those located in cold regions. As with most tropical trees, it will do best sticking with a combination of full sun and semi-shade. Its moderate water needs also make it an ideal container tree, as frequent watering is not necessary. It should be watered regularly, however, in order to get the best fruit production. They are cold hardy down to upper 20's F, and will take some salt spray.

Eugenia confusa

One of the rarest, it tends toward columnar growth. Fragrant flowers, red berries.

Eugenia foetida, Eugenia buxifolia

Eugenia foetida (Spanish Stopper) is native to Florida and the West Indies and can be used for bonsai. This small tree can reach a height of 10-20 feet and requires full sun or semi-shade to thrive. Moderate water is all that is needed to keep it healthy. It produces white, off-white flowers that are also quite fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is also an ethnomedical plant because its fruit was used as a treatment for diarrhea. As a bonus, it is also quite tolerant to salt, so it can thrive in seaside locations. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, so it will be perfect for those who live in colder regions.

When it comes to growing and maintaining this plant, it prefers moist, well-draining, soils and full sun or part shade. Prune it lightly in winter to encourage flower production. This evergreen plant looks best when kept slightly dry and should not be over-watered. During the winter, mulch will help keep the plant warm and can be used to help it tolerate the cold. To keep it in excellent condition, it will need regular fertilization with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If necessary, prune it in summer to remove dead or damaged branches.

Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus

Eugenia luschnathiana or Pitomba is a slow-growing plant that can reach 15-20 feet in height. It is an attractive ornamental plant with dark green leaves above and lighter green leaves underneath. The trunk is a beautiful light brown and tan color. Pitomba produces white and yellow flowers that are up to an inch and a half in diameter during the spring months. The fruit ripens 4-6 weeks after the flowers appear, with a fruiting season of May to July. The fruit is apricot-colored, round to pear-shaped, and has a soft, melting, juicy flesh with a highly aromatic slightly acidic flavor. It is similar in taste and color to an apricot and is rich in vitamin C. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jelly and preserves.

Pitomba is suitable for container culture or as a dwarf fruit tree specimen. Seedlings take two or more years to begin fruiting. The plant grows well in a variety of soils, but performs best in acidic conditions .This small decorative tree is suitable for planting in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in a container in colder regions with proper care. Mature trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to the upper 20s Fahrenheit. However, young plants are more sensitive and need to be protected from frost. Pitomba grows best in full sun and requires regular watering and moderate fertilization. It can produce up to 5-7 pounds of edible fruit per tree.

The pitomba fruit offers many health benefits due to its high content of vitamin C and minerals. It also contains dietary fiber and is low in cholesterol and sodium. The pulp of the fruit can be used to make jams, jellies, and juices, as well as being eaten fresh. The seeds, leaves, and bark have traditionally been used in Brazil to treat colds, fevers, and stomach problems.