Eucalyptus astringens

Eucalyptus astringens · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Extensive (224 studies) · ★★★★★

Eucalyptus astringens, is a distinctive Australian tree renowned for its potent medicinal properties. Commonly called Red Ironbark, its bark is exceptionally high in tannins. Traditionally, these astringent qualities have been utilized to treat skin irritations, soothe inflammation, and support digestive health, making it a valuable botanical resource.

Family
Not available
Native range
Australasia
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Eucalyptus astringens

Distribution

This plant, commonly known as Red Gum, possesses a very specific and limited natural range. Its primary geographical distribution is found within the continent of Australia. More specifically, this species is native to the region of Western Australia. Because it is confined to this particular area, it serves as a unique part of the local ecosystem. Understanding this localized presence is essential for studying its natural habitat and conservation.

Region Area
Australia Western Australia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Eucalyptus astringens is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody stems that remain above the ground level even during unfavorable conditions, a trait common to many arborescent species in the Myrtaceae family. This phanerophyte life form, specifically categorized under both life form classifications provided, ensures that the structural integrity of the tree is maintained over many years, facilitating its ability to withstand environmental stressors and contribute to the structural complexity of its habitat throughout its extended lifespan.

Life form :
phanerophyte
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Eucalyptus astringens is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, which is a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or liana. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. The plant's stature is significant, with a height that can range from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 18 meters. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, supporting its development as a large, upright tree.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
tree
Parasite :
independent
Plant height max:
18 m
Plant height min:
1 m
Woodiness :
woody

Physiology

The physiology of Eucalyptus astringens is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to semi-arid and temperate environments, primarily utilizing a C3 photosynthetic pathway. As a C3 plant, its carbon fixation process relies on the enzyme RuBisCO to incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into a three-carbon molecule during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy is integrated into a robust physiological architecture designed for water-use efficiency and stress tolerance; the plant employs sclerophyllous leaves, which are characterized by thick, leathery textures and a high density of protective waxes to minimize transpirational water loss. Furthermore, its physiological regulation involves sophisticated stomatal control and a deep, extensive root system that facilitates efficient nutrient uptake and hydraulic conductance, allowing the species to maintain metabolic functions and photosynthetic rates even under significant moisture deficits.

Photosynthetic pathway :
C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Eucalyptus astringens is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit specific mass variations essential for its dispersal and germination success. The seed mass within this species is relatively consistent, with a recorded mean seed mass of 0.007951 g. Detailed measurements of the individual seeds reveal a narrow range of weight, fluctuating between a minimum mass of 0.007352 g and a maximum mass of 0.00855 g. These precise morphological traits in seed weight play a critical role in the plant's reproductive strategy and its ability to establish itself within its natural ecological niche.

Seed mass max:
0.00855 g
Seed mass mean:
0.007951 g
Seed mass min:
0.007352 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Eucalyptus astringens has 38 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE, ALPHA-PINENE, ALPHA-TERPINYL ACETATE, ALPHA-THUJENE.

Chemicals reported in Eucalyptus astringens
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
1,8-Cineole 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ALPHA-PINENE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ALPHA-TERPINYL ACETATE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ALPHA-THUJENE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Allo-Aromadendrene 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Alpha terpinene 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Aromadendrene 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
BETA-ELEMENE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

1,8-Cineole

  1. Dr. Duke

ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE

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ALPHA-PINENE

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ALPHA-TERPINYL ACETATE

  1. Dr. Duke

ALPHA-THUJENE

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Allo-Aromadendrene

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Alpha terpinene

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Aromadendrene

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BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

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BETA-ELEMENE

  1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Eucalyptus astringens has 186 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Acaricide.

Activities reported in Eucalyptus astringens
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
(-)-Chronotropic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-Inotropic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ACE-Inhibitor 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
AChE-Inhibitor 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Acaricide 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Allelochemic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Allelopathic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Allergenic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

(-)-Chronotropic

  1. Dr. Duke

(-)-Inotropic

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ACE-Inhibitor

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AChE-Inhibitor

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Acaricide

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Allelopathic

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Allergenic

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Analgesic

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