Eucalyptus × chrysantha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus × chrysantha |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
× chrysantha
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Eucalyptus × chrysantha is a special type of mallee tree. It only grows in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic there. This plant is thought to be a hybrid, which means it's a mix of two other eucalyptus trees: Eucalyptus preissiana and Eucalyptus sepulcralis. It has unique leaves that are shaped like a spear or slightly curved. Its flowers can be white or yellow, and its fruit looks like a cylinder or an urn.
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What Does Eucalyptus × chrysantha Look Like?
Eucalyptus × chrysantha is an upright mallee tree. It usually grows between 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) and 8 m (26 ft) tall. Its branches are stiff and have sharp angles.
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
The adult leaves are dark green on both sides. They can be oblong, spear-shaped, or slightly curved. These leaves are about 50 mm (2.0 in) to 100 mm (3.9 in) long. They are also about 10 mm (0.39 in) to 20 mm (0.79 in) wide. Each leaf narrows down to a flat stalk called a petiole, which is 15 mm (0.59 in) to 20 mm (0.79 in) long.
The flower buds grow in groups of three to six. They appear in the axils of the leaves. An axil is the angle between a leaf and the stem. These buds sit on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 25 mm (0.98 in) to 45 mm (1.8 in) long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are about 17 mm (0.67 in) long. They are also about 10 mm (0.39 in) to 12 mm (0.47 in) wide. Each bud has a cone-shaped cap called an operculum, which is 9 mm (0.35 in) to 10 mm (0.39 in) long.
This plant blooms between August and December. Its flowers can be white or yellow. After flowering, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is woody and shaped like an oval, cylinder, or urn. It is about 22 mm (0.87 in) to 27 mm (1.1 in) long. The fruit is also about 15 mm (0.59 in) to 20 mm (0.79 in) wide. This fruit is a type of capsule, which means it's a dry fruit that opens to release seeds.
How Was Eucalyptus × chrysantha Named?
This eucalyptus plant was first officially described in 1938. Two scientists, William Blakely and Henry Steedman, gave it the name Eucalyptus chrysantha. They published their description in a scientific journal.
A Hybrid Plant
Scientists believe this plant is a hybrid. This means it is a natural cross between two other eucalyptus species. These are Eucalyptus preissiana and Eucalyptus sepulcralis.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, chrysantha, comes from Ancient Greek words. Chrysos means "gold" and anthos means "flower". So, chrysantha means "golden flower," which fits its yellow blooms!
Where Does Eucalyptus × chrysantha Live?
Eucalyptus × chrysantha grows in specific areas. You can find it on flat lands and near rocky areas. These places are located inside the Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia.
Is Eucalyptus × chrysantha Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of this mallee. They have classified it as "Priority Two". This means the plant is not very well known. It is found in only a few locations. This classification helps protect it and makes sure scientists learn more about it.
