That certain sight that certain smell - it's there and it's because of this tree that it is

Eucalypts - Gum Trees

The sight and smell of eucalypts are a defining part of Australian life.

Eucalypts, commonly known as gum trees form an integral part of the Australian identity with the bush. From the children's song Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree through to the distinctive smell of eucalyptus. There are iconic paintings, photographs and history associated with our gum trees; they are an essential part of Australian culture, featuring in art, music and literature.
That certain smell, we even bottle the unique essential oil from some of our gum tree leaves. Australian Botanical: Native 100% Pure, Essentially Australia Oil.

• That certain sight, of the blue haze in the bush, hills and mountain ranges are due to the Eucalyptus trees. Significantly the Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna) west of Sydney NSW gave the Blue Mountains their name. Now, a world heritage listed site
• The blue is not only the effect of distance but is also caused by the mountains' characteristic blue haze all over the continent. Their eucalypt-dominated vegetation disperses fine drops of volatile oil into the atmosphere. The oil drops increase the risk of fire, perfume the air and scatter, with great visual effect, the blue light rays of the spectrum.
• Adaptations that promote fire include: a high content of volatile oils in the leaves and litter; litter that breaks down extremely slowly; an open canopy; long strands of bark that hang from limbs after peeling and which can be carried alight for many kilometres to start new spot' fires well ahead of the fire front.
• Soldiers returning by ship from the First and Second World Wars were said to be able to smell the aroma of the eucalypt before land was visible on the horizon.
• Efforts by Australians to describe the evocative durable nature of the eucalypt have been attempted by writers such as Banjo Paterson, the photographer Harold Cazneaux, painters Hans Heysen and Albert Namatjira, scientists Ken Eldridge, John Davidson and Chris Harwood, and modern novelists such as Murray Bail as well as the Australian arts and crafts movement.
• Written by the famous photographer, Harold Cazneaux in 1941

“This giant gum tree stands in solitary grandeur on a lonely plateau in the arid Flinders Ranges, South Australia, where it has grown up from a sapling through the years, and long before the shade from its giant limbs ever gave shelter from heat to white men.
The passing of the years has left it scarred and marked by the elements – storm, fire, water, – unconquered, it speaks to us from a Spirit of Endurance.

Although aged, its widespread limbs speak of a vitality that will carry on for many more years.

One day, when the sun shone hot and strong, I stood before this giant in silent wonder and admiration. The hot wind stirred its leafy boughs, and some of the living elements of this tree passed to me in understanding and friendliness expressing The Spirit of Australia.

  Modern Day Photo

 

If you think that the phrase "The Spirit of Australia" sounds familiar, then check out the wording on every QANTAS plane

- it's there and it's because of this tree that it is.

There are many trees that define our way of life in Australia, check ‘em out!