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Eucalypts are iconic Australian trees with the Eucalyptus species by far the most common tree in the Australian landscape. There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus most of which are native to Australia. 

Indigenous Australians have long known the many benefits of eucalyptus trees traditionally using nearly all parts of the tree. Leaves and leaf oils have medicinal properties, and saps can be used as adhesive resins. Bark and wood have been used for making vessels, tools and weapons such as spears and clubs. 

Early settlers soon realised the potential of the eucalyptus tree with eucalyptus oil production beginning in 1860 in an area near Melbourne in Australia’s South. Eucalyptus oil became Australia’s first commercial export as oil was exported to the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America, gaining a broad international reputation for its therapeutic properties.

Eucalyptus oil production had all but stopped in Australia by the end of WWII as the cost of production (primarily labour) exceeded that of other countries. Simultaneously, seeds of the oil-rich species were distributed globally, particularly to China, Portugal, and South America. These events resulted in most of the global eucalyptus oil production coming from these new estates in other countries.

In the 1990’s WA farmer, the late Don Stanley and young arborist Dr Dan Wildy identified the native oil mallee Eucalyptus kochii could help in reducing land degradation that had resulted from over clearing. These hardy little trees dropped the saline water table, provided wind breaks and shelter belts for native animals, birds and insects, livestock while facilitating increased grain production and preventing further degradation. With millions of trees planted over 10s of thousands of hectares they also created the rebirth of the Australian eucalyptus oil industry.

Other local farmers also started planting Eucalyptus kochii to combat the growing problem of salinity which was impacting crop viability. These plantings now provide an abundantly rich and sustainable source of Eucalyptus kochii trees from which we produce Kochii eucalyptus oil. Global interest in the traceability and sustainability of botanicals has resulted in a return to Australia for the sourcing of natural Eucalyptus Oil. Kochii eucalyptus oil is distilled here in regional WA from locally grown trees so you are not only getting a 100% Australian made product, but you are helping to support Australian manufacturing and importantly rural communities.