Cryptocarya williwilliana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cryptocarya williwilliana |
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Cryptocarya
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| Species: |
williwilliana
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The Small Leaved Laurel (scientific name: Cryptocarya williwilliana) is a special type of shrub or small tree found in Australia. It's known for its pretty leaves and is quite rare. This plant only grows in specific places, making it unique and important to protect.
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What is the Small Leaved Laurel?
The Small Leaved Laurel is a plant that can grow up to about 6 metres (nearly 20 feet) tall. It's often found as a shrub, which is a woody plant smaller than a tree. Its scientific name, Cryptocarya williwilliana, helps scientists around the world know exactly which plant they are talking about.
Where Does It Live?
This plant is very particular about where it grows. It likes dry rainforest areas, especially on steep, rocky slopes made of limestone. You can also find it at the bottom of limestone cliffs. These are often remote places, meaning they are far away from towns and cities.
The Small Leaved Laurel lives in the Macleay River valley, which is near a town called Kempsey in Australia. It grows at altitudes between 250 and 800 metres (about 820 to 2,625 feet) above sea level.
Why is it Special?
The Small Leaved Laurel is considered a rare plant. This means there aren't many of them left in the wild. It has a special rating called a ROTAP rating of 2RCi. This rating helps scientists understand how rare a plant is and how much it needs protection. The "VU" status in its infobox means it is Vulnerable, which is a conservation status given to species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Who Discovered It?
Two important botanists, Bernie Hyland and Alexander Floyd, were the ones who first described and studied this plant. Their work helps us learn more about rare species like the Small Leaved Laurel.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of the Small Leaved Laurel are one of its most attractive features. They are shaped like an oval (this is called ovate) and have clear, beautiful veins. Each leaf is quite small, usually between 1.5 and 4 centimetres (about 0.6 to 1.6 inches) across.
Flowers and Fruit
If you visit the rainforest between October and January, you might see its faint-smelling white flowers. After the flowers, the plant produces a black, fleshy fruit called a drupe. These fruits appear in late summer and early autumn. If you try to grow a new plant from its seeds, it can take a while for them to sprout, but it usually works!
Images for kids
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The Small Leaved Laurel in its natural habitat.
