Avon peppermint facts for kids

Eucalyptus ornans, also known as Avon peppermint, is a special type of eucalyptus tree that grows only in a small part of Victoria, Australia. It has smooth, light-colored bark and leaves that are a bit bluish-green. When it flowers in summer, it has pretty white blossoms.

What Does Avon Peppermint Look Like?

The Avon peppermint is a mallee, which means it's a type of eucalyptus tree that usually grows with many stems from the ground. It typically reaches a height of 4–10 m (13–33 ft). Its bark is smooth and ranges from whitish to light grey. This bark peels off in long strips or ribbons.

Young plants and new shoots have leaves that sit directly on the stem, without a stalk. These leaves are arranged in opposite pairs. They are narrow and shaped like a spear, about 50–80 mm (2.0–3.1 in) long and 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) wide. They are bluish-green on top and whitish underneath.

The top part of the plant often has both young and adult leaves. Adult leaves grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. They are slightly glossy green on both sides, narrow, and spear-shaped. These leaves are 60–110 mm (2.4–4.3 in) long and 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) wide. They have a small stalk, called a petiole, which is 6–12 mm (0.24–0.47 in) long.

The flower buds grow in groups of seventeen to twenty-one. They are found where the leaves meet the stem. Each group of buds sits on a stalk, called a peduncle, which is 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) long. Each individual bud has its own thin stalk, called a pedicel, about 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) long.

Mature buds are shaped like a spindle, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide. They have a cone-shaped cap, called an operculum, which is about 2 mm (0.079 in) long and wide. Avon peppermint flowers in summer, and its flowers are white. The fruit is a woody, round capsule, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long and wide. It sits directly on the stem, without a stalk. The parts that open to release seeds are below the fruit's rim.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The Avon peppermint, Eucalyptus ornans, was first officially described in 2011. Two scientists, Kevin Rule and William Molyneux, wrote about it in a science journal called Muelleria.

The second part of its scientific name, ornans, comes from the Latin word "ornatus". This word means "ornamental," which refers to how pretty and decorative this eucalyptus tree looks.

Where Does It Grow?

The Avon peppermint is very rare. It is only found in one specific place. This single group of plants grows in coarse gravel near the Avon River, close to a town called Maffra in Victoria, Australia.

Is Avon Peppermint in Danger?

Yes, the Avon peppermint is considered an "endangered" species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The Victorian Government's Department of Sustainability and Environment lists it on their Advisory List of Rare Or Threatened Plants In Victoria. This list helps protect plants that are in danger.