Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Eucalyptus pulchella, commonly known as white peppermint or narrow-leaf peppermint, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Tasmania, Australia. It is recognized for its slender, narrow leaves that release a peppermint-like scent when crushed, along with smooth, pale bark that sheds in patches. The tree produces small white flowers that can attract pollinators and is valued for its ornamental appeal, especially in dry or coastal landscapes. Like many eucalypts, it is also used for windbreaks, erosion control, and occasionally for timber or fuelwood in suitable climates.

Risks & Threats:
On Maui, Eucalyptus pulchella is naturalized, meaning it has established self-sustaining populations outside of cultivation. While not currently among the most aggressive invasive species, it does possess traits that raise concern, including the ability to spread beyond planted areas, tolerate a range of environmental conditions, and potentially outcompete native vegetation. Its leaf litter may also alter soil properties and fire behavior. Because of these characteristics, caution is recommended when planting or managing this species to ensure it does not negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in high elevation area of Maui (Hawaiian Islands), California, New Zealand, and the UK
  
• Other Eucalyptus species are invasive
  
• Unpalatable to deer and probably other browsing animals
  
• Flammable; may increase fire risk in natural areas
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other Eucalyptus species
  
• Dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Native to regions with temperate climate; may only pose risk to high elevations of tropical islands
  
• Naturalized, but no negative impacts documented to date
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• In native range, restricted to dolerite-derived soils
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively