Eucalyptus (gum) trees abound in Australia

These eucalyptus trees annually lose a layer of bark, sometimes in big strips.


The trees are nicknamed "gum trees" because they ooze copious sap from any break in the bark.


This is called a "reserve." We see them often. Many of the trees are tall, mature eucalyptus trees. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees, mostly native to Australia. They are "everygreen," or in other words, new leaves appear before old ones are lost. The leaves have a natural oil in them that is a powerful disinfectant. (Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves.)