Eucalyptus × kalangadooensis facts for kids

Eucalyptus × kalangadooensis is a special kind of tree. It is found only in a small area of South Australia. This tree has smooth bark and long, thin adult leaves. Its flower buds grow in groups of four to ten. After the flowers, it produces top-shaped fruits.

Scientists believe this tree is a hybrid. A hybrid is like a mix of two different parent plants. This eucalyptus is thought to be a mix of E. camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis and either E. ovata or E. viminalis subsp. cygnetensis.

What Does This Tree Look Like?

Eucalyptus × kalangadooensis is a tall tree. It has very smooth bark.

Leaves and Branches

The leaves on young plants are shiny green on both sides. They are broadly shaped. These young leaves can be up to 80 mm (3 inches) long. They are also about 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 inches) wide. They have a short stem called a petiole.

New shoots that grow from the base of the tree (called coppice regrowth) also have these shiny green leaves.

Adult leaves are shaped like a spear. They are also shiny green on both sides. These leaves are longer, about 80 to 140 mm (3 to 5.5 inches) long. They are 15 to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 inches) wide. Adult leaves also have a petiole.

Flowers and Fruit

The flower buds grow in groups of four to ten. They are found where the leaves meet the stem. These groups of buds grow on a stalk called a peduncle, which is about 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. Each individual flower bud has a short stem called a pedicel.

When the buds are ready, they are shaped like a top. They are about 10 to 12 mm (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long. They are also 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide. The top part of the bud, called the operculum, looks like a beak. It is about the same length as the base of the flower, called the floral cup.

The fruit of this tree is a capsule. It is also shaped like a top. The fruit is about 10 mm (0.4 inches) long and 7 to 8 mm (0.3 inches) wide. The parts that open to release the seeds stick out above the edge of the fruit.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The Eucalyptus × kalangadooensis was officially named in 1925. Two scientists, Joseph Maiden and William Blakely, described it. They published their findings in a scientific journal called Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Where Does This Tree Grow?

This special eucalyptus tree is only found in a few places. It grows near the towns of Kalangadoo and Mount Burr. Both of these places are in South Australia. This means the tree is endemic to this small area.