peppermint tree

[simmo]

Hi all ,
can anyone help me on this,years ago i was bushwalking and i brushed past a tree i think it was a peppermint tree
but im not sure.
the reason i ask is i had a drink and wiped my lips and they went num
later on down the track as years went by i hear of people talking about a tree that act's like an anaesthetic or a numing agent.
I would like members help and ideas on this one.
Cheers Simmo

[Son of a Beach]

I've not heard of this before. There is the Eucalyptus nicolii (Peppermint Gum) which has a eucalyptus/peppermint fragrance, but I don't think it has any numbing effects.

[johnw]

Could it be Tasmannia lanceolata - Mountain pepper? From the detailed description it seems like a possible fit:
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LJEM-7CV7BN/$FILE/Tasmannia%20lanceolata%20Notesheet.pdf

"The berries initially have a sweet taste, which is closely followed by an intense pungency (which does not last), giving way to a sensation of numbness."
"Research on this species has revealed that the polygodials present in mountain pepper have unique anti-microbial and antifungal properties."

[simmo]

im not sure John but i think your on the right track .like i said it was a long time ago at least 20 years.
opps now that starting to make me old.
thanks for your Help on this one john.
Cheers Simmo