strawberry gum

 Strawberry gum is a medium to large tree, growing up to 15-30 meters (49-98 feet) tall in the wild.  The leaves are lance-shaped, gray-green in color, and aromatic when crushed, contributing to the strawberry-like scent. It’s flowers are creamy-white and appear in clusters, usually in late winter or early spring. The bark is smooth and often peels away, revealing a creamy or pinkish tone underneath, which gives the tree an attractive appearance.

Essential Oil: The tree is known for its aromatic leaves, which contain essential oils. These oils have a sweet, fruity fragrance reminiscent of strawberries, but with a hint of eucalyptus. It is sometimes used in aromatherapy, for its calming and refreshing properties. It is also used in various personal care products, such as soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

Culinary: The leaves are used to infuse flavour into dishes or in herbal teas.

Flavour Profile: The leaves impart a sweet, fruity, and slightly menthol-like flavor, adding a unique twist to culinary creations.

Native to the subtropical and temperate regions of Australia, specifically in areas like Queensland and New South Wales. It prefers warm, temperate climates and is tolerant of dry conditions once established. Grows best in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types.