Myrtle ebony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myrtle ebony |
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| A sample of Diospyros pentamera (P00721821) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diospyros
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| Species: |
pentamera
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| Synonyms | |
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Cargillia arborea A.Cunn. ex Hiern |
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Diospyros pentamera is a common rainforest tree found in Australia. It belongs to the Ebony or Persimmon family, called Ebenaceae. This tree grows in many places, from Batemans Bay in New South Wales up to the Atherton Tableland in tropical Queensland. People often call it the myrtle ebony, black myrtle, grey plum, or grey persimmon.
Contents
About the Myrtle Ebony Tree
The Diospyros pentamera is a rainforest tree that can be small or very large. It usually grows between 6 and 40 metres tall. The base of its trunk can be as wide as 60 centimetres.
Where it Grows
This tree grows in different kinds of rainforests. It grows best in areas with rich volcanic soils. It also needs places that get a lot of rain and are safe from fires.
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
The leaves of the myrtle ebony are about 5 to 9 centimetres long. They have smooth edges, meaning they are not toothed. In spring, the tree produces small, sweet-smelling white flowers.
The tree also grows a medium-sized fruit. This fruit is safe to eat and ripens around December to February. Many rainforest birds enjoy eating these berries. Some of these birds include the Brown Cuckoo Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, and Topknot Pigeon.
Bark and Seeds
It is easy to spot this tree in the rainforest because of its bark. The bark is dark and rough, much like the bark of Ironbark trees.
If you plant fresh seeds from the fruit, they usually sprout quickly. However, sometimes they can be a bit tricky to grow.
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Diospyros pentamera growing by the Minnamurra River, Budderoo National Park, Australia
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Diospyros pentamera growing by the Hacking River, Royal National Park, Australia
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Diospyros pentamera growing by the Allyn River, Barrington Tops, Australia
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Myrtle ebony at Yatteyattah Nature Reserve, near Milton, New South Wales
See also
In Spanish: Diospyros pentamera para niños
