Eucalyptus frenchiana facts for kids
Eucalyptus frenchiana is a special kind of tree found only in Western Australia. It's often called a "mallet" tree. This tree has smooth bark and shiny green leaves. Its flowers are white, and its fruit looks like a small, ribbed cup.
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus frenchiana |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
frenchiana
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Contents
What the Frenchiana Eucalyptus Looks Like
The Eucalyptus frenchiana is a type of tree called a mallet. It usually grows to be about 6 to 14 meters tall. This tree does not have a lignotuber, which is a woody lump at the base of some eucalyptus trees. Its bark is smooth and light grey, peeling off in ribbons to show a creamy color underneath.
Young plants and new shoots have slightly shiny, light green leaves. These leaves are paler on one side and shaped like an egg. They also have a short stem, called a petiole.
Adult leaves are long and narrow, like a spear. They are shiny green on both sides. These leaves are usually 55 to 100 millimeters long and 9 to 13 millimeters wide. They also have a petiole.
The tree's flower buds grow in groups of three. They are found where the leaves meet the stem, which is called a leaf axil. Each group of buds sits on a stalk, called a peduncle, which is 8 to 13 millimeters long. Each individual bud has its own smaller stalk, called a pedicel, 5 to 11 millimeters long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are 12 to 15 millimeters long and 8 to 12 millimeters wide. The base of the bud, called the hypanthium, is shaped like a cup. The cap of the bud, called the operculum, is shaped like half a sphere and has clear ridges running along it. The flowers themselves are white.
After the flowers, the tree produces fruit. This fruit is woody and shaped like a cone or a cup. It is 10 to 12 millimeters long and 10 to 13 millimeters wide. The parts that open to release seeds, called valves, are almost level with the rim of the fruit.
How the Frenchiana Eucalyptus Got Its Name
The Eucalyptus frenchiana was officially described in 2009. It was first studied by a scientist named Dean Nicolle. He collected a sample of the tree with help from Malcolm French near Coolgardie.
The tree's special name, frenchiana, was chosen to honor Malcolm French. This was to thank him for his help in preparing the scientific paper that described the tree. The description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Where the Frenchiana Eucalyptus Lives
This mallet tree grows in special woodlands. These woodlands are found near Lake Johnston in the Coolgardie area of Western Australia. This area is part of a larger region known for its unique plants.
How the Frenchiana Eucalyptus Is Protected
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of special plants. They have classified Eucalyptus frenchiana as "Priority Three".
This means that not much is known about this tree. It has only been found in a few places. However, it is not currently in immediate danger of disappearing. The "Priority Three" status helps scientists and conservationists keep an eye on it.
