Bluegum branches to use in tanks

I am planning a hike down the valley near where I live this weekend and I know there are some lovely dried bluegum branches that have been blown off the trees. They look similar to the beach wood branches I have often seen used in the UK aquascapes. I know the leaves are used to make eucalyptus oil. Question is, is it safe to use (after being treated, boiled, soaked, bark stripped etc.) in aquaria? Has anybody tried?

 

I know that Bottle Brush, Willow, Guava, Mopani, Namibian hardwood are safe for use also if you are in grape growing country (Capetown) dead grapevine roots or branches work well too. But I cant really comment on bluegum though as it has bark that you will have to remove or it will rot in you tank.

Also another user posted this handy guide over at apsa:

 

Also be aware that the collection of plants, animals, wood, soil (or anything naturally found in the wild) is against the South African Law.

 

I am aware of the law regarding the collection but since these trees are due to be cut down and burnt in the near future (it's not an indiginous tree), I didnt think it would be too much of a problem to take a few small branches. For peeps who know PE, it's the area at the bottom of Frikkie Kotze drive / Kabega Road