Big-fruited bloodwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big-fruited bloodwood |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corymbia
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| Species: |
sphaerica
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The Big-fruited bloodwood (Corymbia sphaerica) is a special type of tree found only in a small part of the Northern Territory in Australia. It can also grow as a smaller mallee or a shrub. This plant has rough bark on its trunk and branches. Its leaves are shaped like hearts or spears. It produces flower buds in groups of three and round, shortened fruits.
What Does It Look Like?
The Big-fruited bloodwood usually grows into a tree about 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Sometimes, it's a smaller mallee or shrub, only about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. It has rough, brownish bark that looks like a puzzle on its trunk and branches.
Young plants have grey-green leaves that are heart-shaped or round. These leaves are about 80 mm (3 inches) long and 50 mm (2 inches) wide. They grow in pairs directly opposite each other on the stem.
The mature leaves are also heart-shaped or slightly spear-shaped. They are dull green on both sides and measure 30-70 mm (1-3 inches) long and 15-45 mm (0.6-1.8 inches) wide.
The flowers grow at the ends of the branches. Each group of flowers has three buds. These buds are round, about 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 inches) long and 9-10 mm (0.35-0.4 inches) wide. When the flowers are ready, they open from a rounded cap.
After flowering, the plant produces round, shortened fruits. These fruits are like capsules, about 20-31 mm (0.8-1.2 inches) long and wide. Inside, the seeds are brown and have a small wing on one end.
How It Got Its Name
The Big-fruited bloodwood was officially named Corymbia sphaerica in 1995. Two botanists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, described it. They found specimens collected by Peter Latz near Lake Surprise in 1988.
The second part of its scientific name, sphaerica, comes from a Latin word. It means "spherical" or "round." This name was chosen because of the round shape of its flower buds and fruits.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find Corymbia sphaerica in the central part of the Northern Territory in Australia. It grows in scrubland areas on red sandy soil, usually on small hills. Its range stretches from the eastern edge of the Tanami Desert to the Barrow Creek area.
How It Survives Fire
This type of eucalypt tree is very good at surviving bushfires. After a fire, it can regrow new shoots from a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps it recover and continue to grow even after tough conditions.
