Eucalyptus leaves

[Katog]

we just cut some big branches off our Eucalyptus - no idea which particular brand - and wondered what to do with all the leaves other than flower arrangements.

How do you use it?

How do you extract the oil?

Is it good against midges (west of Scotland devils)?

[Feral007]

I don't know, there's a lot of gumtrees around here, but not a lot of west of scotland devils!

I don't know if they do well in the compost even, they are apparently good at keeping other plants away from themselves when growing. REally feel like I should be able to tell you something useful since we have a country fairly full of them, but they are 'just there'

[marchogaeth]

we just cut some big branches off our Eucalyptus - no idea which particular brand - and wondered what to do with all the leaves other than flower arrangements.

How do you use it?

How do you extract the oil?

Is it good against midges (west of Scotland devils)?

I've got lots and lots of Euc's much to my Australian friend's amazement. The leaves are really, really slow to break down usually. things you can do:-

Dry them and hang them up in places where they will get brushed by to give a nice smell.

Chuck them in the bath for envigoration (is that a word).

Put them in boiling water for a head steam.

Sell them to your local florist.

Make wreaths out of them at Christmas and them on your door.

Stick the dried leaves artfully on cards and be too embarrassed to give them away.

Put them in the compost anyway and accept tey will still be there when you use the compost.

Feed them to the goat.

Feed them to your horse - if he got a taste for them when he was younger because he broke into their growing area.

Put the sticks and leaves in a pile somewhere and kid yourself it's a wild life habitat.

Luckily mine don't often need pruning.

What you can do with the self shedding bark is even more fascinating!

[marchogaeth]

And my pet Koala Bear has just reminded me, he likes to eat them, too.

You can burn the branches on your fire but it is one of THE worst woods for making ash and it doesn't smell of euc while it's burning unless you inhale very deeply (and therefore dangerously).

[Katog]

I want a pet Koala!

[Katog]

what do you do with the bark? Any pictures?

[marchogaeth]

what do you do with the bark? Any pictures?

Have you got one that sheds its bark? Not all do. I do burn that, it's great as kindling. I also use it in collage projects at school. When it stops raining I'll take some pics of the tree.

[Katog]

it does shed it's bark and it is lovely stuff i heard people make baskets but can't think how

[marchogaeth]

it does shed it's bark and it is lovely stuff i heard people make baskets but can't think how

If you cut the strips into thinner strips and moisten it a bit it (if its dry) will weave through sticks etc. (God what sad life i've lead!)

[Feral007]

LOL just reading this - we have what's called Ribbon gums, the bark all dark and manky sheds off in thousands of ribbons hanging off the tree.
Definately good fire starting stuff. And looks awesome. Will try to get a photo of one in full shed for you.
It's good for hiding huntsmen spiders in if that's any help?