Damon Mcknight
Australia's native flora contributes to the distinctive scent of the Australian bush. The Bluegum/Eucalyptus tree is often cited as the obvious source of the bush's scent, with some noting the smell of wet eucalyptus leaves or eucalyptus wood smoke. However, other plants also contribute to the overall aroma, including lemon myrtle, native mint bush, chocolate lily, native frangipani, and tea tree. One plant, in particular, Mallotus claoxyloides, is even commonly known as Smell of the Bush, though opinions are divided on whether its strong scent is offensive or delightful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell of the bush | Bluegum/Eucalyptus, Lemon Myrtle, Sweet Scented Kunzea, Mint Bush, Chocolate Lily, Tea Tree |
| Other smells | Dew, dust, fake passion fruit, Burger Rings, newspapers, lollies, dusty tin cans, chlorine, wet towels, hormones, sausages, malt, chocolate, aluminium foil, feet, chemicals, fertiliser, sawdust, rain on red dirt, coconut scented sunscreen lotion, bushfire smoke, salt air |
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What You'll Learn
Bluegum/Eucalyptus
The Australian bush has a very distinct smell, and one of the key contributors to this is the Blue Gum/Eucalyptus tree. With over 700 species, the eucalyptus tree is an iconic part of the Australian landscape and has been used for centuries by the Aborigines of Australia for incense and skincare.
The Blue Gum/Eucalyptus tree has a powerful, refreshing, and invigorating aroma with camphoraceous, woody, and citrusy notes. It is described as having a crisp, clean, and fresh scent with hints of mint, honey, and pine. The minty aspect of the fragrance comes from terpenes, which are the main constituents of eucalyptus oil. The camphoraceous smell is sharp and slightly medicinal, similar to rosemary.
The Blue Gum/Eucalyptus scent is often used in aromatherapy and is known for its soothing and relaxing properties. It is said to relieve exhaustion, elevate the mood, and rejuvenate the spirit, making it ideal for unwinding and meditation. The scent is also used in room diffusers, body oils, scented candles, and skincare products.
The Blue Gum/Eucalyptus essential oil has a strong and penetrating aroma, making it a popular choice for outdoor sprays, joint and muscle massage, chest rubs, foot lotions, and scalp and skin preparations. The oil's high cineole content gives it a vigorous and pungent fragrance, and it is important to note that due to its intensity, Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus is recommended for children and sensitive individuals.
The Blue Gum/Eucalyptus tree not only provides a refreshing and uplifting scent but also serves as a source of sturdy renewable lumber, showcasing its versatility and importance in the Australian landscape and culture.
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Lemon myrtle
Beyond its culinary uses, lemon myrtle is also prized for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent natural alternative for cleaning and personal care. Products containing lemon myrtle, such as body washes, hand soaps, and surface cleaners, effectively cleanse and rejuvenate the skin while disinfecting various surfaces in the home. Additionally, lemon myrtle is an effective and safe natural insect repellent, protecting against Australia's mosquitoes, flies, sandflies, midges, ticks, leeches, and other insects.
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Mint bush
The Australian Mint Bush, also known as Native Mint, is a fragrant evergreen plant native to Australia. It is a small to medium-sized shrub with highly aromatic foliage that continuously emits a mint fragrance into the air. The scientific name for this plant is Prostanthera ovaolifolia or Prostanthera rotundifolia.
The Australian Mint Bush is valued for its decorative qualities, featuring diminutive green leaves and vibrant purple flowers that resemble orchids. These flowers attract pollinators, and the plant is also known to draw butterflies and small insect-eating birds. The leaves of the Mint Bush have a long history of culinary and medicinal use and are said to smell like a blend of mint, oregano, and tea tree.
Growing up to eight feet tall, the Mint Bush typically reaches a height of around five feet in garden settings and responds well to pruning. It is an excellent indicator plant for soil moisture levels, as its leaves will droop when the soil becomes dry. This plant is well-suited for hedging and can be grown in pots near paths and windows, allowing people to enjoy its refreshing fragrance.
The Australian Mint Bush is a delightful addition to any sensory or perfumed garden, offering both visual appeal and a pleasant aroma. Its ability to attract wildlife and pollinators makes it an important plant for promoting biodiversity and supporting the ecosystem. With its versatile uses and attractive characteristics, the Australian Mint Bush is a cherished native plant in Australia.
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Chocolate lily
The Australian bush has a distinct smell, with Bluegum/Eucalyptus being the most obvious source. However, there are other plants that contribute to this unique fragrance. One such plant is the chocolate lily, a native Australian flower with a delightful chocolate scent.
The chocolate lily, or Dichopogon strictus (syn. Arthropodium strictum), is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to Australia. It gets its name from its chocolate-scented flowers, which have a strong caramel and chocolate perfume in the springtime. The flowers are lilac-coloured with tiny white and purple petals and are also edible, although they do not taste like chocolate. The tubers of this native lily are juicy and sweet when harvested young and can be eaten raw or cooked. They were a food source for Indigenous Australians, who also used the flowers to cleanse their blood.
Chocolate lilies are found in grassland, woodland, and forest regions across Australia, except in the Northern Territory. They grow in full sun but can tolerate light shade and prefer rich, well-drained soil. These lilies are a great addition to low-water gardens as they are dormant during the hottest and driest times of the year. In the garden, they are best planted in clumps for impact and can add spring colour and interest when mixed with small native grasses.
The chocolate lily is more than just a fragrant flower; it is a part of Australia's indigenous food culture and a reminder of the richness and diversity of the country's native flora.
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Bushfire smoke
The scent of the Australian bush is distinct and varied, with several plants contributing to its overall aroma. While the Bluegum/Eucalyptus tree is often cited as the most obvious source of the bush's fragrance, other plants like lemon myrtle, native mint bush, and sweet-scented kunzea also play a role.
However, when bushfires occur, the scent of the Australian bush takes on a different character. Bushfire smoke has a strong, distinct odour that can be carried by the wind over long distances, affecting the air quality in various regions. While some people find the smell of controlled fuel reduction burns pleasant, reminiscent of an "authentically Australian" aroma, others find it frustrating and prefer to be warned in advance to take precautions against smoky air entering their homes.
The impact of bushfire smoke on air quality can be significant, and it is essential to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to minimise its effects. Bushfire smoke is known to increase mortality, impact wildlife, and reduce air quality, making it a serious concern for communities, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.
The scent of bushfire smoke is a complex blend of burning vegetation and other materials, resulting in a strong, acrid odour that lingers in the air. The specific smell can vary depending on the types of plants and materials burned, with different tree species, shrubs, and grasses contributing unique aromatic compounds to the smoke.
While the scent of the Australian bush is typically characterised by its fresh, natural fragrances, the presence of bushfire smoke adds a layer of complexity, transforming the aroma into a reminder of the ever-present risk of bushfires in Australia's diverse landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian bush has a very distinct smell, with the obvious source being Bluegum/Eucalyptus. Other sources say the bush smells like a combination of bushfire smoke and salt air.
Some other distinct Australian scents include the smell after rain, coconut-scented sunscreen lotion at the beach, and Vegemite on toast.
Some Australian plants with notable scents include the native mint bush, the chocolate lily, the lemon myrtle, and the sweet-scented kunzea.
Some other Australian scents that are not plant-related include the smell of trains, which some describe as burning coal or melting solder, and the "Holden Smell", which is a distinct aroma found in old Holden cars.
