Fine-leaved ironbark facts for kids

The fine-leaved ironbark (scientific name: Eucalyptus exilipes) is a type of medium to tall tree. It is found only in Queensland, Australia. This tree has dark grey or black bark, which is very hard, like iron. Its leaves are long and narrow. The tree produces white flowers, which grow in groups of seven. After flowering, it forms small, cup-shaped fruits. The fine-leaved ironbark looks a lot like another tree called E. crebra, but its flower stems are a bit different in length.

What Does It Look Like?

The fine-leaved ironbark tree can grow quite tall, sometimes up to 35 meters (about 115 feet) high. It has rough, dark grey to black bark that is very tough and furrowed, giving it the name "ironbark."

• Young Leaves: When the tree is young, or if new shoots grow from the base, its leaves are dull and greyish. They are long and narrow, like a line, measuring about 2.5 to 9 centimeters (1-3.5 inches) long and 2 to 6 millimeters (less than a quarter inch) wide. These young leaves have small stems called petioles.
• Adult Leaves: The leaves on a mature tree are also long and narrow, shaped like a spear. They are usually 5 to 12 centimeters (2-4.7 inches) long and 5 to 10 millimeters (about half an inch) wide. Each adult leaf has a small stem (petiole) about 5 to 10 millimeters long.

The tree's flower buds grow in groups of seven. They are attached to a main stalk (peduncle) that is 5 to 11 millimeters long. Each individual bud has its own small stem (pedicel) that is 3 to 8 millimeters long. These buds are oval or spindle-shaped, about 5 to 6 millimeters long. They have a cone-shaped cap (operculum) on top.

The fine-leaved ironbark usually flowers in July and August. Its flowers are white. After the flowers, the tree produces woody fruits. These fruits are shaped like a cup or a flattened sphere, about 4 to 5 millimeters long and wide. The parts that open to release seeds (valves) are usually level with the rim of the fruit.

Its Scientific Name

Scientists gave this tree its official name, Eucalyptus exilipes, in 1987. It was first described by two botanists, Ian Brooker and Anthony Bean. They found a sample of the tree in the White Mountains National Park in 1985.

The name exilipes comes from two Latin words:

• exilis means "slender," "thin," or "small."
• pes means "stem."

So, the name refers to the slender (thin) stems of the individual flower buds.

Where Does It Grow?

The fine-leaved ironbark is quite rare. It is only found in a few places in northern Queensland, Australia. These areas include the White Mountains National Park, Blackbraes National Park, and some areas north of Cooktown.

Is It Endangered?

Good news! The fine-leaved ironbark is not considered to be in danger. The Queensland Government lists its conservation status as "least concern" under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This means there are enough of these trees in the wild for now, and they are not at high risk of disappearing.