The Southern Blue Gum is an evergreen tree from Australia that has aromatic, blue-green leaves and showy flowers with many stamens. It is one of the most widely grown species of eucalyptus. It is cultivated in plantations for its lumber and for the essential oil in its leaves. The lumber is used for construction. The leaves are the main source of eucalyptus oil, which is used in perfumes, as a flavoring and for its medicinal properties. Leaves are used to make an herbal tea. It is grown as an ornamental tree in warm regions for its foliage, flowers and colorful bark. It has a fast growth rate and is drought tolerant. It prefers a Mediterranean climate but can be grown in humid tropical and subtropical regions as well. Hardy in zones 9-12.