Eucalyptus
/ˌjuː.kəˈlɪp.təs/noun
A genus of evergreen trees and shrubs, especially native to Australia, known for aromatic leaves and oil.
Did you know?Eucalyptus was named from Greek roots by botanist Charles-Louis L'Héritier in 1788 because its flower bud is capped by a little lid, a tiny botanical “cover” that drops away at bloom.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
eukalyptos
“well-covered; having a good cover or lid”
Late 18th Century
New Latin
Eucalyptus
“a botanical genus name coined for the trees with capped flower buds”
Late 18th Century
French/English
eucalyptus
“the name of the Australian tree genus”
Modern English
English
eucalyptus
“any tree or shrub of the genus Eucalyptus”