Alpine cider gum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine cider gum |
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| Flower buds of Eucalyptus archeri | |
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Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
archeri
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Eucalyptus archeri, also known as alpine cider gum, is a type of Eucalyptus tree. It is usually a small tree or a mallee, which means it has many stems growing from the ground. This plant is only found in Tasmania, Australia.
It has smooth bark that can be white or grey. Its adult leaves are shaped like a spear. The flowers grow in groups of three and are white. After flowering, it produces fruit that looks like a cone or a small barrel. The alpine cider gum is very similar to another tree called the cider gum (E. gunnii).
Contents
What Does the Alpine Cider Gum Look Like?
The alpine cider gum is a small tree or a mallee. It usually grows up to 12 metres (40 ft) tall. Its bark is smooth and can be white, grey, or even a bit pink. This tree has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged, like by fire.
Leaves and Flowers
Young plants and new shoots have leaves that grow in opposite pairs. These leaves are egg-shaped or round. They are about 13–40 mm (0.5–2 in) long and 9–32 mm (0.4–1 in) wide.
Older, adult leaves grow one after another along the stem. They are shaped like an oval or a spear. These leaves are 40–90 mm (2–4 in) long and 9–30 mm (0.4–1 in) wide. They grow on a small stalk called a petiole, which is 8–22 mm (0.3–0.9 in) long.
The flowers grow in groups of three. They appear where the leaves meet the stem, on a small stalk called a peduncle. This stalk is about 1–7 mm (0.039–0.28 in) long. The flower buds are oblong or oval. They are about 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. Each bud has a cap, called an operculum, which is rounded or cone-shaped.
When Does it Flower?
The alpine cider gum flowers between November and May. Its flowers are white. After the flowers, the tree produces fruit. The fruit is shaped like a cone or a barrel. It is about 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and wide.
How is it Different from Cider Gum?
Eucalyptus archeri is very similar to the cider gum (E. gunnii). However, the alpine cider gum does not have the bluish-grey flower buds and fruit that the cider gum has.
Where Does the Alpine Cider Gum Grow?
The alpine cider gum is found in high places in Tasmania. It grows at altitudes above 1,000 metres (3,000 ft). You can find it on the northern slopes of the Central Plateau Conservation Area. It also grows at the tree line on Ben Lomond. This tree prefers shallow soil among rocky areas on mountain tops. It also grows in open woodlands.
Who Named This Tree?
The scientific name Eucalyptus archeri was first officially described in 1929. This was done by two botanists, Joseph Maiden and William Blakely. They published their description in Maiden's book, A critical revision of the genus Eucalyptus. The second part of the name, archeri, honors William Archer. He was the secretary of the Royal Society of Tasmania.
See Also
- List of Eucalyptus species
