Scientific Name :Eucalyptus globulus Vernacular Name :Inturusu or Tasmania blue gum. Family name : Myrtaceae Geographic Distribution :: Everywhere in Rwanda, 1000 -2400 m.
Botanical Description A tree which may reach 55 m tall, rather narrow, with crown rounded and open, the main trunk straight with a big bark. Stem strongly branched. Young leaves opposite, oval, blue grey without stalks; mature leaves deep , blue- green, very long and thin; up to 3 cm long; slightly curved; stalked; tip sharp; smell of camphor if crushed. Flowers have buds grey-green, wrinkled; 25 mm across; flowers white, usually single, rarely 2or 3. Fruits are woody capsules, rough; 30 mm across, stalkless.
Medicinal Use Against Flu, The leaves are boiled to produce an essential oil, which is used variously in the treatment of influenza, coughs, colds, hay fever, and asthma Eucalyptol, product extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, curesbronchitis.
Other Use Firewood, stake, timber, efc. The timber is very hard; used for light and heavy construction, poles, posts and plywood; and as fuel.
