Black marlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black marlock |
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| Eucalyptus redunca growing south of Ravensthorpe | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
redunca
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| Synonyms | |
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Eucalyptus redunca Schauer var. redunca |
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The Eucalyptus redunca, commonly known as black marlock, is a special type of mallee or shrub. It is found only in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic to that area.
This plant has smooth bark and long, narrow adult leaves. Its flower buds grow in groups, and when they open, they reveal pretty lemon-coloured flowers. After flowering, it produces fruit that looks like a small barrel.
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What Does Black Marlock Look Like?
The black marlock is usually a mallee, which is a type of eucalyptus that grows many stems from a woody base. It typically reaches a height of about 1 to 4.5 meters (around 3 to 15 feet).
It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the plant regrow if it gets damaged, for example, by a bushfire.
The bark of the black marlock is smooth. It can be grey and pale brown, and it peels off in short strips.
Leaves and Flowers
The adult leaves are narrow and shaped like a spear. They are usually between 50 and 75 millimeters (about 2 to 3 inches) long. They are also 9 to 25 millimeters (about 0.3 to 1 inch) wide. Each leaf has a stalk, called a petiole, which is about 8 to 15 millimeters long.
The flower buds grow in groups of nine to fifteen. They are found where the leaves join the stem. Each group of buds sits on a main stalk called a peduncle, which is 8 to 15 millimeters long. Individual buds have smaller stalks, called pedicels, about 3 to 5 millimeters long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are long and spindle-shaped. They measure about 16 to 26 millimeters long and 3 to 4 millimeters wide. Each bud has a cap, called an operculum, which is shaped like a cone or a horn. This cap is usually two or three times longer than the base of the flower.
Black marlock flowers bloom from July to October or November. The flowers are a lovely lemon-yellow color.
Fruit
After the flowers, the plant produces fruit. This fruit is a woody capsule, which is a dry fruit that opens to release seeds. The fruit is shaped like a barrel and is about 7 to 11 millimeters long. It is also 5 to 8 millimeters wide. The parts that open to release the seeds are usually level with the rim of the fruit.
How Did Black Marlock Get Its Name?
The scientific name for black marlock is Eucalyptus redunca. It was first officially described in 1844. A scientist named Johannes Conrad Schauer gave it this name. He wrote about it in a book called Plantae Preissianae.
The second part of its scientific name, redunca, comes from a Latin word. "Reduncus" means "bent backwards." This refers to how the tip of the flower bud's cap (the operculum) can sometimes be bent when it is young.
Where Does Black Marlock Grow?
Black marlock is found in Western Australia. It grows mostly along the south coast. You can find it between Cape Riche and the Fitzgerald River National Park. It also grows further inland, near Ravensthorpe.
This plant prefers to grow on gently rolling, low hills. It is often found in areas with shrubs and open woodlands. It likes sandy-clay soils, especially those that are found over a type of reddish-brown rock or soil called laterite.
Black marlock often grows with other types of eucalyptus trees. These include E. oleosa and E. incrassata. Below these trees, you'll mostly see shrubs like Melaleuca and Acacia plants. Sometimes, you might also spot a spiky grass called Triodia.
Is Black Marlock in Danger?
Good news! The black marlock is currently considered "not threatened." This means it is not in danger of disappearing. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of its status.
