Charmhaven apple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charmhaven apple |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Angophora
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| Species: |
inopina
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| Synonyms | |
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Eucalyptus inopina (K.D.Hill) Brooker |
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The Charmhaven apple (scientific name: Angophora inopina) is a special kind of small tree. It is found only in the Central Coast area of New South Wales, Australia. This tree often has many stems growing from its base. It has rough bark, long, narrow leaves, and pretty white or creamy white flowers. Its fruit looks like a ribbed cup.
What it Looks Like
The Charmhaven apple is usually a small tree. It often grows with many stems. It can reach about 8 meters (26 feet) tall. This tree has greyish, stringy bark on its trunk and branches.
Young plants and new shoots have oval or spear-shaped leaves. These leaves are about 4 to 7 cm long. They are arranged in pairs opposite each other.
Adult leaves are also in opposite pairs. They feel leathery and are usually shiny green. The underside of the leaves is a bit paler. These leaves are about 4.5 to 12 cm long. They grow on a short stalk called a petiole, which is 4 to 15 mm long.
The tree's flower buds grow in groups of three or seven. They are found at the ends of the branches. Each group of buds is on a stalk called a peduncle. The individual buds are round. They are about 5 to 7 mm long and wide. The flowers have white or creamy white petals.
You can see the Charmhaven apple flowering in December. After the flowers, the tree grows fruit. The fruit is a bristly, cup-shaped capsule. It is about 6 to 13 mm long and 9 to 15 mm wide. It has ribs running along its sides.
How it Got its Name
The Charmhaven apple was officially described in 1997. A botanist named Ken Hill gave it its scientific name, Angophora inopina. He found specimens of the tree near Charmhaven.
The second part of its scientific name, inopina, comes from a Latin word. It means "unexpected." This name was chosen because it was surprising to find a new type of tree so close to Sydney.
Where it Lives
The Charmhaven apple grows in sandy soil. This soil is usually on top of sandstone. It likes to live in woodlands where there are many shrubs growing underneath the trees.
You can find this tree in different spots. Its range goes from Lake Macquarie up towards the Hunter River. It is most common in the Wyong and Lake Macquarie areas.
Why it Needs Protection
The Charmhaven apple is listed as "vulnerable." This means it is at risk of disappearing. Both the Australian and New South Wales governments protect it.
There are several reasons why this tree is in danger:
- Losing its home: Its natural areas are being cleared or broken up.
- Water changes: Changes in the water levels underground can harm it.
- Too many fires: Frequent bushfires can damage the trees.
- Being stepped on: People or animals trampling on young plants.
- Weed competition: Other plants, called weeds, can grow and take over its space.
