Paluma Range yellowjacket facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paluma Range yellowjacket |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corymbia
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| Species: |
leptoloma
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| Synonyms | |
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Eucalyptus leptoloma Brooker & A.R.Bean |
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The yellowjacket or Paluma Range yellowjacket (scientific name: Corymbia leptoloma) is a type of tree. It grows only in Queensland, Australia. This tree has rough, patterned bark on its trunk and branches. Its leaves are shaped like spears or are slightly curved. The flowers grow in groups of seven, and its fruits are shaped like barrels or urns.
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What Does the Yellowjacket Tree Look Like?
The yellowjacket tree usually grows up to 15 m (49 ft) tall. It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged.
Its bark is thick, rough, and grey-yellow. It looks like a puzzle or mosaic on the trunk and branches.
Young plants have shiny green leaves. These leaves are paler underneath. They are shaped like eggs or spears, about 110–200 mm (4.3–7.9 in) long and 50–100 mm (2.0–3.9 in) wide. They have a stalk connecting them to the stem.
Adult leaves are dark, shiny green on top and much paler underneath. They are shaped like spears or are curved. They can be 89–215 mm (3.5–8.5 in) long and 21–50 mm (0.83–1.97 in) wide. Their stalks are 14–36 mm (0.55–1.42 in) long.
The tree's flower buds grow at the ends of its branches. They are on a main stalk, called a peduncle, which is 6–26 mm (0.24–1.02 in) long. Each part of this stalk has seven buds. These buds either sit directly on the stalk or have very short stems (up to 3 mm (0.12 in) long).
When the buds are ready, they are oval-shaped. They are about 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) long and 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) wide. They have a flat or rounded cap, sometimes with a small bump in the middle.
The fruit of the yellowjacket tree is a woody capsule. It is shaped like a barrel, an urn, or a flattened sphere. The fruit is about 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in) long and wide. The parts that open to release seeds are hidden inside the fruit.
Sometimes, another tree called Corymbia leichhardtii grows nearby. You can tell it apart from the yellowjacket tree. C. leichhardtii has dull leaves that are the same color on both sides.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The yellowjacket tree was first officially described in 1991. Two scientists, Ian Brooker and Anthony Bean, gave it the name Eucalyptus leptoloma. They wrote about it in a science journal called Austrobaileya. Brooker had collected samples of the tree near Paluma in 1989.
Later, in 1995, two other scientists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, changed its name. They moved it to the Corymbia group, so its full scientific name became Corymbia leptoloma.
Where Does the Yellowjacket Tree Live?
The yellowjacket tree is only found in a small area. This area is north-west of Townsville in Queensland, Australia.
It grows in small remaining patches of wet sclerophyll forest. These are forests with tough-leaved trees that can handle both wet and dry conditions. The yellowjacket tree often grows with other trees like Syncarpia glomulifera, Eucalyptus resinifera, and Corymbia intermedia. You can find it in gullies or on hillsides. It prefers sandy soils that come from granite rocks.
Is the Yellowjacket Tree in Danger?
Yes, the yellowjacket tree is considered "vulnerable." This means it is at risk of becoming endangered if threats continue. Both the Australian Government and the Queensland Government list it as vulnerable.
The biggest dangers to this tree are:
- Habitat destruction: Its natural home is being cleared away.
- Agriculture: Land is being used for farming, which removes the trees.
- Mining: Activities to dig for minerals can destroy its habitat.
- Timber harvesting: Trees are cut down for wood.
These activities reduce the number of yellowjacket trees. Protecting its habitat is important for its survival.
