Backhousia leptopetala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Backhousia leptopetala |
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Backhousia
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leptopetala
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Backhousia leptopetala is a common Australian tree. It is also known by several fun names. These include brown myrtle, never-break, brush turpentine, and rusty turpentine.
You can find this tree growing in New South Wales and Queensland. It prefers rainforest areas with poorer soils, often near streams. You might also spot it in moist eucalyptus forests on ridges. A good way to spot it is by its greyish-fawn color under the leaves. Its small branches are also rusty and hairy.
About the Brown Myrtle
The brown myrtle is usually a small tree. It can sometimes grow up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) tall. Its trunk can be about 35 centimeters (14 inches) wide. This tree is known for its pretty cream-colored flowers. It also has very attractive leaves.
The bark of the tree is greyish-brown. It feels quite soft and can be flaky or corky. The trunk often has an uneven, grooved shape. Older, larger trees might have wider bases.
The leaves grow in pairs, one across from the other. They are simple and have smooth edges. Each leaf is about 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long. The edges of the leaves are often curled and wavy. The top of the leaf is a medium green. The underside is a greyish-fawn green.
The main vein on top of the leaf looks sunken. But the veins underneath are easy to see. Near the wavy edge, there's another vein. Tiny hairs cover the underside of the leaf.
The flowers are small and cream or white. They grow closely together in round clusters. You can usually see them from July to September. From a distance, they look a bit like the flowers of the Callicoma plant.
The fruit ripens from August to November. It is mostly a two-part capsule. It measures about 13 millimeters (half an inch) across. If you want to grow a new tree, it's best to use fresh seeds. Trying to grow them from cuttings usually doesn't work well.
What it's Used For
The brown myrtle is a very pretty tree. People often plant it in gardens for its beauty. It makes a lovely ornamental tree.
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scanned leaves
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trunk
See also
In Spanish: Mirto pardo para niños
