Eucalyptus prominens facts for kids

Eucalyptus prominens is a special type of eucalyptus tree. It grows only in a small area on the west coast of Western Australia. This plant is native to its specific home. It has smooth, grey bark and interesting flowers.

What is Eucalyptus prominens like?

Eucalyptus prominens is a type of mallee. This means it's a small, bushy tree. It usually grows to be about 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) tall. It also has a special woody base called a lignotuber. This helps it regrow after fires.

Its Bark and Leaves

The bark on this eucalyptus is usually smooth. It can be greyish or brownish. Sometimes, it has rough bark near the bottom of the trunk.

Young plants have narrow, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are about 55 to 80 millimeters long. They are also about 12 to 20 millimeters wide. They don't have a stalk, so they are called sessile.

Adult leaves are shiny green on both sides. They are also lance-shaped. These leaves are longer, about 80 to 145 millimeters long. They are 12 to 20 millimeters wide. Each adult leaf has a small stalk called a petiole. This stalk is about 5 to 13 millimeters long.

Flowers and Fruit

The flower buds grow in groups of seven or nine. They appear where the leaves join the stem. These buds are on a stalk called a peduncle. The stalk is about 10 to 12 millimeters long. Some buds sit directly on the stalk. Others have tiny stalks up to 4 millimeters long.

Mature buds are oval or club-shaped. They are 7 to 11 millimeters long and 5 to 8 millimeters wide. Each bud has a rounded cap called an operculum. The flowers are white and bloom from August to October.

After flowering, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a woody, cone-shaped capsule. It is 6 to 11 millimeters long and 7 to 10 millimeters wide. The parts that open to release seeds are called valves. These valves are close to the top of the fruit.

How did it get its name?

The Eucalyptus prominens was first officially described in 1976. This was done by a scientist named Ian Brooker. He wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia. The first plant samples were found in 1970. They were in Shothole Canyon in Cape Range National Park.

The second part of its name, prominens, comes from a Latin word. It means "prominent" or "sticking out". This name refers to the fruit's valves. They stick out more compared to similar eucalyptus species.

Where does it live?

This special mallee only grows in certain places. You can find it on limestone hills and in valleys. These areas are located in the Cape Range. This region is part of the Carnarvon area in Western Australia.

Is it in danger?

The government of Western Australia checks on plants and animals. They have classified Eucalyptus prominens as "not threatened". This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.