Badgerabbie mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Badgerabbie mallee |
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| Eucalyptus annuliformis flower buds | |
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Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
annuliformis
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The Badgerabbie mallee (scientific name: Eucalyptus annuliformis) is a special and rare type of eucalyptus tree. It only grows in a small part of Western Australia, near the south-west coast. This unique plant has smooth, grey bark and leaves that change shape as they grow. Its flowers are white, and its fruit looks like a small, round cap with a wide, flat top.
Contents
What Does the Badgerabbie Mallee Look Like?
The Badgerabbie mallee is a type of Eucalyptus tree that usually grows up to 3 metres (10 ft) tall. It has smooth, grey bark and a crown of dull green leaves.
Leaves and Flowers
When the plant is young, its leaves are broad and egg-shaped. They are a dull grey-green color, about 50–70 mm (2–3 in) long and 20–35 mm (0.8–1 in) wide. As the plant gets older, its leaves become more oval or spear-shaped. These adult leaves are about 40–65 mm (1.6–2.6 in) long and 10–22 mm (0.4–0.9 in) wide. They have a small stem called a petiole that is 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long. Both sides of the leaves are the same dull green.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven. Each bud is oval-shaped, about 11–17 mm (0.43–0.67 in) long and 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) wide. They have a cap-like cover called an operculum that is shaped like a cone. The Badgerabbie mallee blooms from May to September, and its flowers are white.
Fruit of the Mallee
After flowering, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a round, half-sphere shaped capsule, about 9–12 mm (0.35–0.47 in) long and 10–14 mm (0.39–0.55 in) wide. It sits on a small stalk. This fruit has a wide, flat top, which is a key feature of this plant.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The scientific name for this plant is Eucalyptus annuliformis. It was first officially described in 1992 by two scientists, Peter Grayling and Ian Brooker. They found a sample of the plant near a place called Dandaragan.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its name, annuliformis, comes from a Latin word. It refers to the "ring" or "ring-like shape" of the fruit's top part.
Where Does the Badgerabbie Mallee Live?
The Badgerabbie mallee is very rare. It is only found in one specific place: Badgerabbie Hill, which is near Dandaragan in Western Australia. It grows in woodlands where there are many low shrubs.
Why Is It Important to Protect This Plant?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Eucalyptus annuliformis a special conservation status called "Priority One". This means that the plant is known from only a few locations, and these places might be at risk. Protecting these areas is very important to make sure the Badgerabbie mallee can continue to grow and thrive.
