Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus or Fever tree or Gum tree is an Australian native and varieties count for 700 and more. Has been used commercially and in medicines since 1800 due to Britishers introducing outside Oz. Introduced in India by Tippu Sultan on basement of Nandi Hills, 1790 and in 1843 introduced at Nilgiri hills, Tamilnadu.

It has excellent remedy for respiratory related illness along with properties of anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-oxidant and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is used as infusion tea with medical supervision. Children under age 6 should not be consumed internally.

Many Indian state governments promoted during 1960-80 to meet demand for paper industry and replacing low value natural forests. These grow very fast in years and send vast network of roots and used in marshy areas to reduce swamps and thus, Malaria. Wood has great value as fire woods and Australia is famous for its forest fires due to these.

Lots of researches were done in 1984 near Hosakote for beliefs and summarized as
-No depletion in water table due to Eucalyptus
-Does not consume more water than a typical tree
-Slight reduction in soil nutrition
-Due to monoculture, affects bio diversity and wild life.

Contrary to above, Karnataka government has passed bill in 1984 to plant in barren lands only due to concerns by farmers and to plant in area with 500-750mm rainfall.