The name of koalas' primary food source has a Greek origin. Eucalyptus (ευκάλυπτος/efkalyptos in Greek) is derived from ευ/ef, meaning good in this case, and καλύπτω/kalypto which means to cover or hide. The name refers to the cover, called the operculum, of the tree's flower stamens. The flower's sepals and petals are fused together into a single cover that opens up to reveal the stamens.
Eucalyptus flowers and opercula
Sotiris - 2022/04/23
