Eucalyptus broviniensis facts for kids

The Eucalyptus broviniensis is a type of small tree that grows only in a tiny part of Queensland, Australia. It's known for its smooth bark, long, narrow adult leaves, and white flowers that grow in groups. Its fruit looks like a small, woody cone.

Discovering the Brovinia Gum Tree

This special Eucalyptus tree was first officially described in 2001. A scientist named Anthony Bean found a sample of it near a place called Brovinia, Queensland. That's how it got its name! The word broviniensis means "from Brovinia" in Latin.

What Does the Brovinia Gum Tree Look Like?

The Eucalyptus broviniensis is usually a small tree, growing up to about 10 metres (33 ft) tall. It has smooth bark that starts as a pale orange color and then turns grey as it gets older.

Leaves and Flowers

When the tree is young, or if it grows back from its base (called a lignotuber, which is a woody swelling that helps it regrow after fires), its leaves are egg-shaped. These young leaves are about 60–100 mm (2.4–3.9 in) long.

The adult leaves are different. They are shaped like a spear (lance-shaped) and are longer, about 100–150 mm (3.9–5.9 in) long. They are a dull green color on both sides and have a stalk called a petiole.

The flowers of this tree are white and bloom in the summer. They grow in small groups of seven. Each group of flowers grows on a stalk (called a peduncle) that comes out from where a leaf meets the stem. The flower buds are oval or round, about 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long, and have a rounded cap (called an operculum).

Fruit of the Tree

After the flowers bloom, the tree produces fruit. This fruit is a woody, cone-shaped capsule. It's about 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) long and 7–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide.

Where Does the Brovinia Gum Tree Live?

This unique eucalypt tree is found only in a specific area of Queensland. It grows in open woodlands and heathlands, which are areas with low-growing shrubs. You can find it on the edges of a plateau within the Brovinia State Forest.