Lemon-scented gum Facts
Lemon-scented gum Facts
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| Interesting Lemon-scented gum Facts: |
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| Lemon-scented gum is large evergreen tree that can reach 80 to 160 feet in height. Its twisted branches form irregular canopy. |
| Lemon-scented gum has smooth bark that can be white, reddish or pinkish colored. Curly flakes (shedding bark) can be occasionally seen on the trunk. |
| Lemon-scented gum has swollen root crown, called lignotuber. It ensures survival of the plant when upper part of the tree is irreparably damaged. In the case of fire or some other natural disaster, dormant buds hidden inside lignotuber will start to sprout and re-establish lemon-scented gum in the wild. |
| Lemon-scented gum has narrow lanceolate leaves. They are green colored and alternately arranged on the branches. Crushed leaves emit lemony scent. |
| Lemon-scented gum produces small white flowers arranged in clusters that grow from the axils of leaves. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Lemon-scented gum blooms during the spring, summer and winter, depending on the geographic location. Flowers attract bees, butterflies and birds, main pollinators of this species. |
| Fruit of lemon-scented gum is brown-green capsule filled with reddish-black seed. Capsule is urn- or barrel-shaped. |
| Leaves of lemon-scented gum represent important source of food for sugar gliders and koalas in the wild. |
| Fresh and dry leaves of lemon-scented gum are used for the preparation of potpourris (mixtures of dried flowers and leaves that are used as natural refreshers in the houses). |
| Leaves of lemon-scented gum are important source of essential oils that are used in the perfume industry (unrefined oils) and for the manufacture of insects repellents (refined oils). Insect repellents based on the essential oils of lemon-scented gum are especially effective against mosquitoes. |
| Brazil and China are the greatest manufacturers of essential oils of lemon-scented gum. |
| Flowers of lemon-scented gum are important for beekeepers because they provide large quantities of nectar which is essential for the manufacture of honey. |
| Wood of lemon-scented gum is used for the manufacture of poles, railroad tiles and tool handles. |
| Poultices made of leaves of lemon-scented gum are used in treatment of ulcers and wounds. Boiled water filled with leaves of lemon-scented gum can relieve symptoms of pulmonary disorders and common cold. Essential oils of lemon-scented gum have anti-inflammatory properties (prevent inflammation). |
| Lemon-scented gum is perennial plant that can survive up to 60 years in the wild. |
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