Bandalup silver mallet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bandalup silver mallet |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
purpurata
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The Eucalyptus purpurata, also known as the Bandalup silver mallet, is a special type of eucalyptus tree. It's called a "mallet" because it's a tree that doesn't grow a special woody base (called a lignotuber) that helps some plants regrow after a fire. This tree is found only in a small area in the southwest of Western Australia. It has smooth, shiny silver-grey bark, long, dark green leaves, and creamy white flowers.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The Bandalup silver mallet usually grows to about 10 meters (around 33 feet) tall. Its bark is smooth and silver-grey. This bark peels off in strips, showing new cream-colored bark underneath.
Leaves and Flowers
The adult leaves are shiny and dark green on both sides. They are shaped like a spearhead, about 4.5 to 9.5 centimeters (about 2 to 4 inches) long and 0.6 to 1.6 centimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inches) wide. They narrow down to a stalk called a petiole, which is about 0.7 to 1.7 centimeters (about 0.3 to 0.7 inches) long.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven, nine, or eleven. They are found where the leaves meet the stem (called the axil). Each group of buds grows on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 0.6 to 1.5 centimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inches) long. Each individual bud has its own tiny stalk, called a pedicel, about 0.3 to 0.7 centimeters (about 0.1 to 0.3 inches) long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are oblong (like a stretched oval) and measure about 1.1 to 1.5 centimeters (about 0.4 to 0.6 inches) long and 0.4 to 0.5 centimeters (about 0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. They have a cone-shaped cap (called an operculum) and slight ridges on their base (the floral cup). The Bandalup silver mallet flowers in November, and its flowers are creamy white.
Fruit
After flowering, the tree produces a woody, round fruit called a capsule. These capsules are about 0.5 to 0.6 centimeters (about 0.2 inches) long and 0.6 to 0.7 centimeters (about 0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide. The parts that release the seeds (called valves) stick out but are quite delicate.
Where Does It Come From?
The Bandalup silver mallet was first officially described in 2002 by a scientist named Dean Nicolle. He wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia. He found the plant material near Bandalup Hill, close to a town called Ravensthorpe.
The scientific name purpurata comes from a Latin word meaning "purple." This refers to the new leaves of this tree, which often have a purplish color when they first grow.
Where Does It Live?
The Bandalup silver mallet is only found in one specific place: the area where it was first discovered. It grows in groups, often in white, powdery soil that contains a mineral called magnesite.
Is It Endangered?
Yes, the Bandalup silver mallet is considered a very rare and important plant. It is listed as "Threatened Flora" by the Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia). This means it's a plant that needs special protection.
It is also listed as "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List. This is a worldwide list of plants and animals that are at very high risk of disappearing forever. Protecting this unique tree is very important!
