Origin. - The dried leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, collected from the older part of the tree. The blue-gum tree is a rapid grower, attaining a height of 200 to 300 feet (60-90 M.). It is native to Australia, but is cultivated in various portions of Europe, Africa, and the United States with the view of rendering malarial districts habitable by its antiseptic exhalations. Its efficacy in this direction is due solely to its using large quantities of water for its growth, thereby depriving the malarial-bearing mosquitoes of the marshy grounds in which they develop their larvae.

Description and Properties. - Petiolate, lanceolate, scythe-shaped, from 6 to 12 inches (15-30 Cm.) long, rounded below, tapering above, entire, leathery, grayish-green, glandular, feather-veined between the midrib and marginal veins; odor strongly camphoraceous; taste pungently aromatic and somewhat cooling, bitter, and astringent.

The most important constituent is a volatile oil, of which the leaves yield about 6 per cent.

Dose. - 1/2-2 drams (2.0-8.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Eucalypti - Fluidextracti Eucalypti - Fluidextract of Eucalyptus. - Dose, 5-60 minims (0.3-4.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2.0 Cc), U.S. P.].