Abstract

BOTANICAL STUDY OF Eucalyptus cinerea F. MUELL. EX BENTH. CULTIVATED IN EGYPT.

Fatema R. Saber*, Maha M. Salama, Magda M. Fathy and Fathy M. Soliman

ABSTRACT

Eucalyptus (family Myrtaceae) is one of the world’s most important and widely planted genera. It includes more than 700 species. Many species of the genus Eucalyptus are used in folk medicine as analgesics, anti-inflammatory and antipyretics also as remedies for respiratory infections. The present work deals with the botanical features of Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth. which includes macro and micro morphological study of the stems and leaves with the aim of finding out the diagnostic characters by which the plant could be identified in the powdered and entire forms. The stems are rounded, glaucous and rugged. Juvenile leaves are sessile, glaucous, opposite for many pairs, orbicular having amplexicaul, lobed or rounded base, rounded to emarginate or pointed apex and punctate surface. The plant is also characterized by the creamy white flowers and campanulate- shaped fruits. Microscopical examination of the juvenile leaves and stems showed fibres, tracheids, tannin cells and numerous prism and cluster crystals of calcium oxalate. This botanical study is in good agreement with the reported features of the family as well as the genus.

Keywords: Myrtaceae, Eucalyptus cinerea, botanical study, macro-morphology, micro-morphology.