The lemon gum here features a stunning girth and a magnificent bark with patches of pale earthy hues. Lemon gum eucalyptus is the tree where we traditionally get our eucalyptus oil from. Compare the aroma from these crushed leaves with that of White Paperbark tree leaves.

It was first planted around 1790 by Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in his palace garden on Nandi hills near Bangalore. According to one version he received seed from Australia and introduced about 16 species.

In the sun-drenched hills of southeastern Australia, the Lemon Gum Eucalyptus tree stands tall and proud, casting a refreshing citrus fragrance on the breeze. This iconic tree, scientifically known as Eucalyptus citriodora, holds a significant place in the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

While in India the tree is regarded as a nuisance for depleting water tables and sapping soil nutrients that starve other trees to death. Other Eucalyptus trees in the family are used for making wood pulp for paper, thereby every tree cut for a book not only kills the tree but also kills of the soil fertility and water availability for other trees.

Given the immense commercial viability and relatively quick return-on-investment, Eucalyptus species have cemented their position in Indian landscapes. The tree grows to great heights rapidly and is also popular as a windbreak tree to grow on farm plots. Given the above context, this tree often sparks heated debates off its role in Indian ecology.