Urn Gum Eucalyptus urnigera

Names

• Synonyms

  Urn Gum, Urn-fruited Eucalyptus, Urn-shaped Eucalyptus

• Common names

  Eucalyptus urnigera.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Eucalyptus urnigera, commonly known as Urn Gum, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. The oil, which is distilled from the leaves, is especially potent and can cause poisoning. Symptoms of Eucalyptus poisoning include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, feelings of suffocation, and weakness. In severe cases, ingestion of eucalyptus oil may lead to central nervous system depression and potentially be fatal.

• To pets

  Urn Gum is toxic to pets if ingested. The essential oils and compounds, such as eucalyptol, found in the leaves can cause various symptoms including salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness. In large enough amounts, Eucalyptus can be neurotoxic, leading to seizures and potentially death. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on any part of this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  40 feet (12 meters)

• Spread

  25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  8

• Native area

  Australia

General Benefits

• Landscape Aesthetics: Eucalyptus urnigera, commonly known as urn gum, can add beauty to gardens and landscapes with its attractive bark and evergreen foliage.
• Habitat Support: The tree provides habitat and food sources for various wildlife, especially birds and insects.
• Shade Provider: Urn gum trees can offer significant shade in sunny climates, creating cooler micro-environments.
• Windbreak: With its tall and straight growth, urn gum can serve as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants and reducing soil erosion.
• Wood Production: The timber of urn gum is valued for its strength and durability, suitable for construction, furniture, and craftwork.
• Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of urn gum are aromatic, which can add a pleasant fragrance to the surrounding area.
• Recreational Use: Eucalyptus urnigera forests are often used for recreational activities like hiking and bird watching.

Medical Properties

• Antimicrobial: The essential oils extracted from Eucalyptus urnigera are known to have antimicrobial properties, which may be effective against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Decongestant: Compounds found in the eucalyptus leaves can help in relieving nasal congestion commonly associated with colds and respiratory infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Some components of Eucalyptus urnigera, such as eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), have anti-inflammatory effects which can provide relief for inflammation-related conditions.
• Expectorant: The plant’s extracts can be used to aid in the expulsion of phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract, providing relief for those with coughs.
• Analgesic: There may be some pain-relieving properties associated with the use of Eucalyptus urnigera, though this is less documented and utilized than other properties.
• Antispasmodic: The oils of the plant may have antispasmodic effects, which can reduce muscular spasms and relax smooth muscles.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Eucalyptus urnigera is sometimes used in the production of honey, as the flowers provide nectar for bees.
• In crafting, the wood of the plant can be turned into small objects like buttons, beads, and ornaments, taking advantage of its fine grain and workability.
• In the art world, artists use leaves of Eucalyptus urnigera to create unique eco-prints on fabric or paper, yielding beautiful patterns and designs.
• Landscape designers often utilize Eucalyptus urnigera for its ornamental value, adding it to gardens for its attractive bark and foliage.
• Due to its fast growth, the plant is utilized in reforestation projects and for reclaiming degraded landscapes.
• Woodworkers sometimes use the timber for making musical instruments like guitars or woodwind instruments, due to its acoustic properties.
• The bark of Eucalyptus urnigera is used in crafting for creating natural textures in home decor items and wall art.
• In some cultures, the leaves are used in ceremonies and are woven into wreaths or garlands as symbols of remembrance.
• The robust nature of the wood makes it suitable for outdoor construction, like garden beds or retaining walls, where rot resistance is important.
• Eucalyptus urnigera is incorporated into natural dyeing processes, where the leaves yield a range of colorfast dyes for textiles from subtle greens to yellows.

Feng Shui

Eucalyptus is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Eucalyptus is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing and Protection: Eucalyptus urnigera, commonly known as the Urn Gum, is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties. Essential oils derived from eucalyptus leaves are used in remedies for respiratory ailments, making it symbolic of protection against illness.
• Refreshment and Clarity: The clean, crisp scent of the Urn Gum is believed to clear the air and the mind, symbolizing fresh starts and mental clarity.
• Endurance and Resilience: Eucalyptus trees are known for their ability to survive in tough conditions, representing endurance and the ability to withstand life’s challenges.