Eucalyptus Blog | Preserved Eucalyptus in Focus: Aromatic Bliss and Australian Identity

In this article, I discuss the much-loved scent, the Australian connection and the difference between Polyanthemos and Cinerea Eucalyptus.

The scent of Eucalyptus

Who doesn't love the smell of Eucalyptus? It is a clean, fresh aroma often associated with the scent of forests, the outdoors and nature. That is one of the reasons that not only florists and decorators but also different industries and the public love Eucalyptus. Its aroma is particularly prized for its ability to provide a sense of well-being and relaxation.

When talking about specifically preserved Eucalyptus, it's worth noting that the specific scent is still there to be enjoyed!

It is a clean, fresh aroma often associated with the scent of forests, the outdoors and nature.

The Australian connection

Eucalyptus is often called the "gum tree" and is one of Australia's most iconic and dominant tree species. They are primarily native to Australia and are found across the continent, from coastal regions to arid outback areas. Did you know that Australia is home to more than 700 species of Eucalyptus? It is making it the centre of eucalyptus diversity!

But the connection goes even further as part of the national symbol. Eucalyptus is an important national symbol of Australia. It is featured on the Australian national coat of arms, where a kangaroo and an emu stand on either side of a eucalyptus wreath. 

The cultural and historical connection dates from a long time ago. Indigenous Australian cultures have a long history of using Eucalyptus for various purposes, including food, medicine, and tools. Aboriginal peoples have used eucalyptus tree leaves, bark, and oil for generations.

Eucalyptus is featured on the Australian national coat of arms

Eucalyptus Polyanthemos (Populus) vs Eucalyptus Cinerea (Spiral)

When writing this article, we have two different types of preserved Eucalyptus available. The Populus variety is available in Green and Burgundy, while the Spiral is only available in green.

The Polyanthemos Eucalyptus (Populus) is known for its original round, silver grey leaves that resemble silver dollar coins, hence the fact they are also known as 'Silver Dollar Gum'. It naturally has an upright and straight growing habit. The shape of the bunches is flat. It is often used as filler greenery by florists and event stylists as bouquets and centrepieces.

The Cinerea Eucalyptus (Spiral) is one of the most commonly used Eucalyptus varieties among Australian florists and is easily the most recognisable. Compared to the flat appearance of the Populus Eucalypts, the Spiral has a more 'bulky' appearance and is, for this fact, the go-to greenery for florists to use as a filler in floral bouquets. The term "spiral" describes the twisting or spiralling growth pattern some eucalyptus trees exhibit.

Stabilization by capillarity

The conservation process for foliages is slightly different, using a technique called capillarity. It involves the living plant being soaked in stabilizing solutions, with glycerine and dye, to make it spread through the stems and leaves. Only after a few days, when the plant is saturated, the foliage is dried.

While the obvious benefits include that it no longer needs water or light, this process does have a constraint, as they don’t tolerate humidity or direct sunlight. It’s recommended, specifically for florists, to avoid wet conditions or use in areas of direct sunlight, resulting in the foliage dripping a staining liquid. While this is entirely normal for this type of conservation, and it doesn’t affect the quality, it is recommended to consider this specific feature when planning the use of the foliage. It could, for example, stain a wedding dress. In addition, paper sleeves are also best to be avoided.

Eucalyptus Polyanthemos (Populus) is also known as 'Silver Dollar Gum'.

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR TAKEAWAYS?

• The clean, fresh scent of Eucalyptus still prevails even when the Eucalyptus is preserved.

• The Eucalyptus is often called the "gum tree" and is one of Australia's most iconic tree species, with historical and cultural connections to Indigenous Australian cultures and its representation on the Australian national coat of arms as a national symbol of Australia.

• The Polyanthemos Eucalyptus (Populus) is known for its original round, silver grey leaves that resemble silver dollar coins.

• The Cinerea Eucalyptus (Spiral) is one of the most commonly used Eucalyptus varieties among Australian florists.

• Consider the specific use of Eucalyptus because of the constraint of the stabilization by capillarity process.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Register a wholesale account for free here, or check out the preserved Eucalyptus range here, including pictures, videos and product details. You can find our complete range of dried and preserved flowers here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ader Broersen – Ader is Co-owner, Marketing and Sales Director at All InSeason Australia & New Zealand | 20+ years of experience in the agricultural/flower industry both in Holland and Australia with a passion for flowers.

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