Desert ridge-fruited mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desert ridge-fruited mallee |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
|
| Species: |
capitanea
|
The Desert Ridge-fruited Mallee (scientific name: Eucalyptus capitanea) is a special type of eucalyptus tree. It grows only in South Australia. This plant often has rough bark near the bottom of its trunk. Higher up, the bark is smooth. It has long, narrow adult leaves, and its flower buds are ribbed and oval-shaped. These buds grow in groups of seven. When they open, they show cream-coloured flowers. After flowering, it produces ribbed, urn-shaped fruits.
Contents
What Does the Desert Ridge-fruited Mallee Look Like?
This mallee usually grows up to 4 metres (13 ft) tall. It has smooth grey or brownish bark. But often, the lower part of its trunk has rough, flaky bark that peels off.
Leaves and Flowers
Young plants and new shoots have leaves that are shaped like a spear or an egg. They are dull to bluish-green at first and have a stem called a petiole. Adult leaves are shaped like a spear. They are about 70–130 mm (2.8–5.1 in) long and 14–45 mm (0.55–1.8 in) wide. Both sides of the adult leaves are shiny green.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven. They are found where the leaves meet the stem, on a stalk called a peduncle. This stalk is about 18–27 mm (0.71–1.1 in) long. Each individual bud has its own small stem, called a pedicel, which is 2–6 mm (0.079–0.24 in) long.
Buds and Fruit
When the buds are ready to open, they are oval-shaped and have clear ribs. They are about 9–22 mm (0.35–0.87 in) long and 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) wide. Each bud has a cap, called an operculum, which is shaped like a cone or a beak. This cap is about the same length as the base of the flower, called the floral cup.
After the flowers bloom, they turn into woody fruits. These fruits are shaped like an urn and are about 15–22 mm (0.59–0.87 in) long and 12–15 mm (0.47–0.59 in) wide. They also have clear ribs. The parts that hold the seeds are tucked inside the fruit, below its rim.
How Did it Get Its Name?
The Eucalyptus capitanea was officially described in 2001. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, gave it its name. They studied a plant sample collected in 1984 by Ian Brooker near Koonibba.
The name capitanea comes from a Latin word. It means "chief in size" or "large." This name was chosen because its leaves, flower buds, and fruits are bigger compared to a similar plant called E. incrassata.
Where Does the Desert Ridge-fruited Mallee Grow?
This special eucalyptus tree grows in mallee areas. You can find it on and between red sand dunes. It lives in the region between the Great Victoria Desert and the western edge of the Gawler Ranges. It is especially common in the Yumbarra Conservation Park in South Australia.
