Queensland laurel facts for kids
Anopterus macleayanus, also known as the Queensland laurel or Macleay laurel, is a type of plant that can be a bush or a small tree. It belongs to the Escalloniaceae plant family. You can find this plant growing naturally in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
Quick facts for kids Queensland laurel |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anopterus
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| Species: |
macleayanus
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Contents
Discovering the Queensland Laurel
The Queensland laurel was officially described in 1859 by a botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He found this plant on top of a mountain called Mt Lindsay. The plant was named Anopterus macleayanus to honor Sir William John Macleay, a famous person. This plant is one of only two species that belong to the Anopterus group of plants.
What Does the Queensland Laurel Look Like?
The Queensland laurel can grow quite tall, reaching up to 15 metres (about 50 feet) high. Its leaves are shaped like a spear, wider at the top and narrower at the base. They are usually 10 to 30 centimetres (4 to 12 inches) long and 2 to 4 centimetres (1 to 2 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy and have blunt teeth. Younger leaves can be much bigger. The stems of the leaves and the base of the leaves often have a reddish color.
Flowers and Pollination
The Queensland laurel produces white flowers. These flowers grow in clusters called racemes. You can usually see them blooming between October and December, which is from mid-spring to early summer in Australia.
A tiny insect called a thrips (specifically, Thrips setipennis) has been found on the flowers of Anopterus macleayanus. This suggests that these small insects might help pollinate the plant, which means they help the plant make seeds.
Where the Queensland Laurel Grows
This plant prefers warm-temperate and subtropical rainforest areas. You can find it from the Comboyne Plateau in New South Wales and further north into Queensland. It likes places that are not too hot and not too cold, with plenty of moisture.
Growing Queensland Laurel in Your Garden
The Queensland laurel has long, attractive leaves with wavy edges and pretty red-pink colors. This makes it a great plant for gardens.
If you want to grow it, here are some tips:
- It grows best in places that get some shade, not full sun.
- The soil should drain well, meaning water doesn't sit around its roots.
- Give it extra water during the summer months.
- Since it naturally grows on the rainforest floor, it needs a protected spot when you first plant it in your garden.
- It's a strong plant, but it can grow slowly.
- You can even grow Anopterus macleayanus in pots, and it can even be an indoor plant!
See also
In Spanish: Laurel de Queensland para niños
