Eucalyptus assimilans facts for kids

The Eucalyptus assimilans is a special kind of tree that only grows in Western Australia. It's known for its smooth, light-colored bark that peels off in long strips. Its leaves are shaped like a spear, and its flower buds grow in small groups. When the flowers are gone, they leave behind cone-shaped fruits.

What Does Eucalyptus assimilans Look Like?

The Eucalyptus assimilans is a tree that usually grows up to 15 metres (49 ft) tall. Its trunk and branches have smooth, white or greyish bark. This bark peels off in long, wide, pale brown strips.

The bark, leaves, and flower buds often have a grey, powdery coating. Young trees and new shoots that grow from the base of the tree have leaves shaped like an egg or a wide spear.

Adult Leaves and Flowers

Older leaves are shaped like a spear, tapering to a point. They are about 70–180 mm (3–7 in) long and 15–40 mm (0.6–2 in) wide. These leaves grow on a stalk called a petiole, which is about 20–33 mm (0.8–1 in) long.

The flower buds grow in groups of seven where the leaves meet the stem. Each group of buds sits on a stalk called a peduncle, which is about 10–22 mm (0.4–0.9 in) long. The individual flowers within the group have their own tiny stalks, called pedicels, about 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long.

Buds and Fruit

When the buds are ready to open, they are oval-shaped, about 15 mm (0.6 in) long and 7 mm (0.3 in) wide. They have a cone-shaped cap, called an operculum, which is a bit shorter than the base of the flower.

After the flowers bloom, they turn into a woody, cone-shaped fruit. This fruit is a capsule, about 9–12 mm (0.35–0.47 in) long and 8–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide.

How Was Eucalyptus assimilans Named?

The Eucalyptus assimilans was officially described for the first time in 2001. This was done by two botanists, Lawrie Johnston and Ken Hill.

The second part of its scientific name, assimilans, comes from a Latin word. It means "making like" or "similar to." This name was chosen because this eucalyptus tree looks a lot like another type of eucalyptus called E. sheathiana.

Where Does Eucalyptus assimilans Grow?

This eucalyptus tree grows in certain spots in the Balladonia area of Western Australia. It can be found in woodlands, which are areas with many trees, on gently rolling land. This region is part of a larger natural area known as the Coolgardie biogeographic region.

Is Eucalyptus assimilans Endangered?

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the Eucalyptus assimilans. They have classified it as "not threatened," which means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.