Eucalyptus, my love….
Having spent my winters in Glyfada and summers in my beloved Aegina island, eucalyptus is the tree that has undoubtedly ingrained my days and nights with its characteristic smell.
Who has not peeled these long strips from its trunk to uncover its smooth surface while waiting for the bus or for her/ him to arrive?
According to Wikipedia, in Greece we find the Eucalyptus globulus species that reaches the height of 80 meters*. I can confirm this! Grace to its very height, every time you look up you feel as if the sky is decorated!
As for its actual benefits offered to the man, eucalyptus brings shadow and dew while its aroma keeps mosquitos away. What’s more, eucalyptus oil, extracted from its leaves, is used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical (antiseptic for the lungs and antipyretic action) and beauty (perfumes, soaps) products.
So let’s thank botanist Mr. Theodoros Orfanides who imported eucalyptus in Greece back in 1862, adding this spicy/ salty essence in the Greek atmosphere, improving our health and life quality.
We Love Eucalyptus!
*Source: https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%95%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%AC%CE%BB%CF%85%CF%80%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82