Herb: Red Stringybark


Latin name: Eucalyptus macrorhyncha


Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)



Medicinal use of Red Stringybark:

An oleo- resin is exuded from the tree. It can also be obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk. This resin contains tannin and is powerfully astringent, it is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and bladder inflammation, externally it is applied to cuts etc. The leaves contain up to 6.24% rutin. This is taken internally in order to strengthen capillaries.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
45 m
(148 feet)

Scent:
Scented
Tree

Habitat of the herb:

Many sites in granite and poorer white acid soils to 900m Dry forests on rocky hills at middle elevations in areas of high summer temperatures, heavy winter frosts and occasional snow.

Edible parts of Red Stringybark:

Although there are no reports of edibility, the leaves contain up to 6.24% rutin.

Other uses of the herb:

The leaves contain between 0.1 and 0.3% essential oil. A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves. A fibre is obtained from the bark. Used for rough cordage, matting, packing etc. Wood - hard, tough, very durable. Used for construction, furniture making etc.

Propagation of Red Stringybark:

Seed - surface sow February/March in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°C. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in June, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability.

Cultivation of the herb:

Many sites in granite and poorer white acid soils to 900m Dry forests on rocky hills at middle elevations in areas of high summer temperatures, heavy winter frosts and occasional snow.

Known hazards of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha:

Citronellal, an essential oil found in most Eucalyptus species is reported to be mutagenic when used in isolation. In large doses, oil of eucalyptus, like so many essential oils has caused fatalities from intestinal irritation. Death is reported from ingestion of 4 - 24 ml of essential oils, but recoveries are also reported for the same amount. Symptoms include gastroenteric burning and irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, oxygen deficiency, ,weakness, dizziness, stupor, difficult respiration, delirium, paralysis, convulsions, and death, usually due to respiratory failure.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.