Eucalyptus conferta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus conferta |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
conferta
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The Eucalyptus conferta is a special kind of tree. It's quite rare and only grows in a small area near Chewton, Victoria in Australia. This tree has thick, rough bark. Its leaves are a dull green or bluish color and are shaped like a spear. When it flowers, it has white blossoms that grow in groups of seven. After flowering, it produces roundish fruits.
What it Looks Like
The Eucalyptus conferta is a tall, thin tree. It usually grows to about 15 m (50 ft) high. It has thick bark that feels rough and has many cracks.
Leaves and Buds
Young Eucalyptus conferta plants have long, thin leaves. These leaves are dull and have a bluish-white coating. They can be up to 80 mm (3.1 in) long and 9 mm (0.35 in) wide. Some young leaves have a short stem, while others grow directly from the branch.
The leaves on older trees are dull green or bluish. They are shaped like a spear. These adult leaves are 70–110 mm (2.8–4.3 in) long and 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) wide. They grow on a stem that is 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long.
The tree's flower buds grow in groups of seven. They appear where the leaves meet the branch. Each group of buds is on a thin stalk, about 7–11 mm (0.28–0.43 in) long. The individual buds are oval-shaped. They are 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide. Each bud has a cone-shaped cap on top.
Flowers and Fruit
This eucalyptus tree blooms in autumn. Its flowers are white. After the flowers, the tree grows a woody fruit. This fruit is shaped like half a sphere or a cone. It is 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and wide. The fruit hangs on a thin stalk that is about 1–3 mm (0.04–0.1 in) long.
How it Got its Name
The Eucalyptus conferta was officially described in 2012. A scientist named Kevin James Rule gave it its name. He published his description in a science journal called Muelleria. He studied a sample of the tree found near Malmsbury.
The second part of its name, conferta, comes from a Latin word. It means "pressed together," "crowded," or "dense." This name refers to how the leaves on young plants grow very close together.
Where it Grows
This eucalyptus tree is quite rare. It only grows in the Glenluce State Forest. This forest is about 17 km (11 mi) south of Chewton in Victoria, Australia. The tree prefers to grow on hills. It likes dry, shallow soils in these areas.
