Corymbia brachycarpa facts for kids

The Corymbia brachycarpa is a special type of tree. It is found only in central Queensland, Australia. This tree has rough bark that looks like a puzzle on its trunk and branches. Its leaves are shaped like a spear. When it blooms, it has creamy white flowers. Later, it grows fruit that looks like a small pot or barrel.

Discovering the Corymbia brachycarpa Tree

This tree can grow quite tall, up to 15 meters (about 50 feet). It has a special woody lump at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged, like from a bushfire.

What the Tree Looks Like

The bark on the trunk and branches is rough. It has a pattern that looks like many small squares, almost like a mosaic. The color is usually brown or grey.

Leaves

Young Corymbia brachycarpa trees have dark green leaves. These leaves are lighter on the bottom. They are long and thin, like a narrow spear. They can be about 7 to 11.5 centimeters long.

As the tree gets older, its adult leaves are also dark green on top. They are lighter underneath. These leaves are shaped like a lance and are a bit bigger. They can be 8 to 15 centimeters long. Each leaf has a stem called a petiole that connects it to the branch.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of the Corymbia brachycarpa grow in groups. Each group has seven flower buds. These buds are oval or pear-shaped. They are about 6 millimeters long. When the flowers open, they are a creamy white color.

After the flowers, the tree produces fruit. This fruit is a woody capsule. It is shaped like an urn or a barrel. The fruit is about 1.3 to 1.8 centimeters long. Inside, it holds the tree's seeds.

Naming the Corymbia brachycarpa

Scientists give plants special names. This helps everyone know exactly which plant they are talking about.

How the Tree Got Its Name

This tree was first officially described in 1987. Two scientists, Denis Carr and Stella Carr, named it Eucalyptus brachycarpa.

Later, in 1995, two other scientists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, changed its name. They decided it belonged to a different group of trees called Corymbia. So, its name became Corymbia brachycarpa.

Meaning of the Name

The second part of the name, brachycarpa, comes from ancient Greek words. "Brachy" means "short," and "carpa" means "fruit." So, brachycarpa means "short fruit."

Where the Corymbia brachycarpa Lives

This tree likes to grow in sandy soil. It often grows with other plants like Triodia grasses. You can find Corymbia brachycarpa in central Queensland, Australia. This includes places like the White Mountains. It also grows south near towns such as Barcaldine, Alpha, and Blackall.

Protecting the Corymbia brachycarpa

It's important to know if plants are safe or if they need protection.

Conservation Status

The Queensland Government has a list of plants and animals. The Corymbia brachycarpa is listed as being of "least concern." This means that, for now, there are enough of these trees. They are not considered to be in danger of disappearing.