Black peppermint facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Black gum
Scientific classification
Genus:	Eucalyptus
Species:	amygdalina

Eucalyptus amygdalina, also known as the black peppermint tree, is a special type of Eucalyptus tree. It grows only in Tasmania, Australia. This tree was first described by a scientist named Labillardière in 1806. It's one of the most common eucalyptus trees you'll find in Tasmania. You can often see it as a tall tree in dry forests or as a smaller bush in open areas. Its leaves even smell like peppermint when you crush them!

What Does the Black Peppermint Tree Look Like?

This peppermint-scented tree grows slowly. It can reach up to 30 meters (about 98 feet) tall. It has a special woody lump at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow after fires.

The bark on most of the trunk is rough. It's dark grey and feels like fibers. On the outer branches, the bark is smooth and white. It often peels off in long ribbons.

Leaves and Flowers

The adult leaves are a bluish-green color. They might be slightly shiny or dull. As they get older, they turn green. Each leaf grows on a small stem called a petiole, which is about 0.4 to 2 centimeters (0.16 to 0.79 inches) long.

The leaf blades are shaped like a spear or are long and narrow. They are usually 5.5 to 12 centimeters (2.2 to 4.7 inches) long. They are about 0.4 to 1.2 centimeters (0.16 to 0.47 inches) wide. When you crush the leaves, they give off a strong peppermint smell.

The tree produces white flowers. These flowers grow in groups called inflorescences. After flowering, the tree forms fruits that look like cups. These fruits are about 0.5 to 1.7 centimeters (0.20 to 0.67 inches) long. Inside, they hold brown seeds that are 1 to 2 millimeters (0.039 to 0.079 inches) long.

Tree Health

Like many other eucalyptus species, the black peppermint tree can be affected by something called dieback. This is a condition where trees start to lose their leaves and branches, and can eventually die.

Where Does the Black Peppermint Tree Grow?

This tree is native to Tasmania. You can find it mostly on the drier, north-eastern side of the island. It grows from the coast all the way inland to the edges of high plateaus. It's an important part of the dry eucalyptus forests there.

It grows best in well-drained soils. These soils are usually acidic and can be loamy or sandy. The tree also needs a moderate amount of rainfall to thrive.

How Do People Use This Tree?

The wood from the black peppermint tree is often used for a few things. It's a common choice for burning in open fires to provide heat. People also use its strong wood for making fences.

The oils found in the leaves are very useful too. They are often extracted and used in aromatherapy products. These essential oils are popular for their pleasant peppermint scent and other properties.