Eucalyptus olivina facts for kids

Eucalyptus olivina is a special kind of Eucalyptus tree or mallee (a shrubby tree). It grows only in Western Australia. This plant has smooth grey bark and long, narrow leaves. Its flowers are creamy white, and its fruit looks like a small barrel or cup.

What it Looks Like

Eucalyptus olivina can grow as a mallee or a small tree. It usually reaches a height of 2 to 7 meters (about 6 to 23 feet). It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps it regrow after fires.

Its bark is smooth and greyish. It peels off in short strips. Young plants have dull green leaves. These leaves are long and narrow, about 2.5 to 6.5 cm (1 to 2.5 inches) long. They are about 2 to 6 mm (0.08 to 0.24 inches) wide.

Adult Leaves and Flowers

The mature leaves are shiny green on both sides. They are narrow and shaped like a spear. These leaves are 3.5 to 8.5 cm (1.4 to 3.3 inches) long. They are 3 to 10 mm (0.12 to 0.39 inches) wide. Each leaf has a short stem called a petiole, which is 2 to 12 mm long.

The flower buds grow in groups of seven or nine. They are found where the leaf meets the stem (called a leaf axil). These buds grow on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 4 to 10 mm long. Each individual bud has a tiny stem called a pedicel, about 2 to 3 mm long.

Mature buds are oval or spindle-shaped. They are 5 to 8 mm long and about 3 mm wide. The cap covering the flower (called an operculum) is cone-shaped or slightly beaked. This eucalypt blooms in March. Its flowers are a lovely creamy white color.

Fruit

After flowering, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a woody capsule. It is shaped like a small barrel or cup. These fruits are 3 to 5 mm long and 3 to 6 mm wide. The parts that open to release seeds (called valves) are almost level with the rim of the fruit.

How it Got its Name

Naming the Eucalyptus olivina

The Eucalyptus olivina was officially described in 1993. This was done by two scientists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia.

The second part of its scientific name, olivina, means "olive-colored." This name was chosen because of the color of its leaves. However, some experts say that olivinus isn't a real Latin word. They think it probably came from olivaceus, which truly means "olive-colored."

Where it Lives

This eucalypt mostly grows in deep red sand. It is quite common and can be found in many areas of Western Australia. You can find it in the south-eastern wheatbelt. Its range extends to the east of Hyden. It grows in several special natural areas. These include the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, and Mallee regions.

Conservation Status

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has checked on this eucalypt. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.