The main difference between eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus is that eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia, while lemon eucalyptus is lemon-scented gum or Corymbia citriodora.
Despite their names, eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus are two different kinds of trees, both native to Australia. Also, these two types of plants have various commercial uses. Especially, they are used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Eucalyptus
– Definition, Features
2. What is Lemon Eucalyptus
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Eucalyptus, Lemon Eucalyptus
What is Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. Plants in the genus eucalyptus have leaves with oil glands, petals and sepals that are fused to form a cap over the stamens, and a bark that is either hard, smooth, or fibrous.
Eucalyptus has great commercial importance since it has many uses. People use it as timber and as an ornamental plant. In addition, its resin, gum, as well as oil are of commercial use. Eucalyptus is an ingredient in many products, including essential oils, creams and ointments, and medicines. This plant is supposed to have many benefits (but not all of these benefits have been confirmed by solid evidence or research). Some of these benefits include antimicrobial properties, effectiveness against colds and respiratory troubles, pain relief, the ability to treat fungal infections and wounds, and the ability to stimulate the immune system. Eucalyptus is also an effective insect repellent and insecticide.
What is Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus is another name for lemon-scented gum. Despite the name lemon, it does not belong to the citrus family. Lemon eucalyptus is a species of tree endemic to North-Eastern Australia. The scientific name of this species is Corymbia citriodora. Lemon eucalyptus trees have smooth white to pink bark, narrow adult leaves, white flowers, as well as, barrel-shaped fruits. Moreover, these adult leaves have the same shade of glossy green (both sides), and they give a lemony scent when you crush them.
Lemon eucalyptus is mainly popular as an essential oil. This oil mainly consists of citronellal. The unrefined oil from this tree is mainly used in perfumes, while the refined form is used in insect repellents, especially repellents against mosquitoes. Moreover, Citrepel, Citriodiol, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and OLE are some other names for this refined oil. The refined essential oil can contain up to 98% citronella. In addition, the smell of the essential oil is usually similar to citronella oil, with a slight hint of lemon scent.
Similarities Between Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus are popular as essential oils.
- Moreover, both are good insect repellents.
Difference Between Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus
Definition
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia, while lemon eucalyptus is lemon-scented gum or Corymbia citriodora.
Uses
The main use of lemon eucalyptus is to prevent mosquito bites and deer tick bites, while eucalyptus is an ingredient in many products, including essential oils, creams and ointments, and medicines. In fact, some medicinal benefits of eucalyptus include its antimicrobial properties, effectiveness against colds and respiratory troubles, pain relief, and the ability to treat fungal infections and wounds and stimulate the immune system.
Scent
Eucalyptus has a minty scent with hints of honey and citrus, whereas lemon eucalyptus has a scent similar to citronella oil, with a slight hint of lemon scent.
Conclusion
Despite their similar names, there is a distinct difference between eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus as they are two different kinds of trees. While lemon eucalyptus is mainly used as an insect repellent, eucalyptus has many uses in aromatherapy, cosmetology, and medicine.
Reference:
1. “Corymbia Citriodora.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.
2. “Eucalyptus: What Are the Health Benefits?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Photo#40: Eucalyptus Oil” By ☼☼Jo Zimny Photos☼☼ (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Corymbia citriodora” By Bidgee – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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