Eucalyptus is a genus of more than 700 species, originally native to Australia but now widely cultivated across the world. In Vietnam, these trees have become part of the landscape — grown from the cooler northern highlands to the warmer southern plains, adapting to very different climates and conditions.
Among them, several species are commonly used in essential oil production, including Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum), Eucalyptus radiata, and Eucalyptus citriodora or lemon-scented gum (now known as Corymbia citriodora). Less commonly known and discussed, but equally interesting, is Eucalyptus camaldulensis, often referred to as river red gum.
While these species belong to the same broader family, their differences are shaped not only by their chemical composition, but also by where and how they grow. In this article, we take a closer look at the key differences between Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Vietnam.
Where and how they grow
In Vietnam, Eucalyptus globulus is typically associated with cooler northern regions such as Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Thai Nguyen, where lower temperatures and drier air support the development of a more concentrated aromatic profile. In these areas, eucalyptus is often cultivated in a more organized way, with certain plantations managed specifically for leaf harvesting as a raw material for essential oil production.
In contrast, Eucalyptus camaldulensis is more commonly found in the warmer southern regions, particularly in the Mekong Delta. It often grows naturally in scattered areas or is cultivated primarily for timber. After harvesting, the leaves and smaller branches are usually left unused, becoming an overlooked by-product.
These differences in both growing conditions and harvesting practices quietly influence how each oil develops — not only in its chemical composition, but also in how the scent is ultimately experienced.
Scent profile differences
Among all eucalyptus oils, Eucalyptus globulus is the most established and widely recognized around the world. It has long been the primary source of what is commonly referred to as “eucalyptus oil” in global use, and one of the key reasons lies in its composition.
The essential oil of globulus is dominated by 1,8-cineole, a naturally occurring compound responsible for the characteristic cooling, camphor-like sensation of eucalyptus. According to both industry references and supplier data, cineole typically makes up around 60–85% of the oil, forming a highly concentrated, cineole-rich profile. Because of this, the scent of globulus feels very clear and immediate. It opens sharply, with a cooling effect that is almost instant. It moves quickly through the air and creates a strong sense of freshness and cleanliness which explains why it has become so widely used in products designed for that purpose.
In contrast, Eucalyptus camaldulensis offers a different kind of sensory experience. While it also contains 1,8-cineole, the proportion is significantly lower, at approximately 30%. The composition is more distributed and not dominated by a single compound. Components such as cymene, pinenes, and other naturally occurring molecules contribute more noticeably to the overall profile. One of the key components, o-cymene, introduces a gentle warmth and a slightly sweet, rounded tone. Together with green, pine-like notes and soft woody elements, the scent feels more layered and balanced. Rather than appearing all at once, the aroma develops more gradually and remains in the background, becoming part of the space. This creates a scent that feels softer, slightly warmer, and more integrated over time.
Which one is better?
Both oils are traditionally associated with maintaining a clean atmosphere and supporting a sense of respiratory comfort. Eucalyptus oils as a group are also used in a wide range of applications, from hygiene and air purification to fragrance and functional formulations. However, the way these qualities are experienced depends greatly on how the oil presents itself aromatically. Where globulus expresses itself through a high concentration of a dominant compound, camaldulensis expresses itself through balance — a composition where no single element fully overtakes the others. In the end, there is no absolute answer between globulus and camaldulensis — only a matter of context and purpose.
Globulus is often chosen when a quick, noticeable effect is needed. It works well for refreshing the air, creating a sense of clarity, or when you want the scent to be immediately present in the space. Camaldulensis, on the other hand, is better suited for longer, continuous use. It fits more naturally into everyday environments, where a softer scent is preferred and where it can remain present without becoming overwhelming over time.
areme Eucalyptus essential oil
At areme, our choice of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as our retail product is not just based solely on its aromatic profile, but also on how this tree is connected to local life. In many parts of southern Vietnam, such as Dong Thap, camaldulensis grows naturally in scattered areas or is cultivated primarily for timber. After harvesting, the leaves and smaller branches are often left unused, becoming an overlooked by-product.
We choose to work with these materials — collecting leaves from pruning activities or working with local farmers who gather them — and then distill them into essential oil. This approach allows us to make use of existing resources while also creating additional income opportunities for local communities.
For us, essential oil is not only the final product, but also a way to connect raw materials, people, and the environment — in a manner that is both sustainable and meaningful over time.