Bosistoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bosistoa |
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| Bosistoa transversa | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Bosistoa F.Muell. ex Benth. |
| Species | |
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See text. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Pagetia F.Muell. |
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Bosistoa is a group of four types of trees that grow only in eastern Australia. They are part of the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. These trees have special leaves that grow in pairs, and their flowers are white with five petals.
Contents
What are Bosistoa Trees Like?
Bosistoa trees have leaves that can be simple (one leaf blade) or compound (many leaflets on one stem). These leaves always grow in opposite pairs on the branches.
The flowers of Bosistoa trees are usually white. Each flower has five small leaf-like parts called sepals at its base. It also has five white petals and ten stamens, which are the parts that make pollen. The stamens are different lengths.
After the flowers, the trees produce a fruit that looks like a single or double pod. This pod is woody on the outside and contains one smooth, brown seed inside.
How Bosistoa Got Its Name
The name Bosistoa was first officially written down in 1863 by a botanist named George Bentham. He used notes from another famous botanist, Ferdinand von Mueller. The name Bosistoa was chosen to honor Joseph Bosisto, a pharmacist from Melbourne, Australia.
Over time, scientists have studied these trees more closely. At first, more species were thought to exist. But after looking at many new plant samples, the number of accepted Bosistoa species was reduced to four.
Types of Bosistoa Trees
Here are the four main types of Bosistoa trees:
- Bosistoa floydii T.G.Hartley - Also known as five-leaf bosistoa or five-leaved bonewood. It grows in New South Wales.
- Bosistoa medicinalis (F.Muell.) T.G.Hartley - Called northern towra or Eumundi bosistoa. You can find it in Queensland.
- Bosistoa pentacocca (F.Muell.) Baill. - Known as ferny-leaf bosistoa, native almond, or union nut. It grows in Queensland and New South Wales.
- Bosistoa transversa J.F.Bailey & C.T.White
Where Do Bosistoa Trees Grow?
Bosistoa trees are found in rainforests, especially dry rainforests. They usually grow in areas close to the coast. You can find them from the tropical northern parts of Queensland down to northern New South Wales in Australia.
See also
In Spanish: Bosistoa para niños
