Eucalyptus protensa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus protensa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
protensa
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The Eucalyptus protensa is a special type of mallee tree. It is found only in the southwest part of Western Australia. This plant has smooth, dark grey or brownish bark. Its leaves are narrow and shaped like a spear. It also has unique flower buds that grow in groups of seven. When it blooms, you'll see yellowish-green flowers. Later, it produces round, woody fruits.
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What Does This Plant Look Like?
The Eucalyptus protensa is usually a mallee, which means it's a shrubby tree with many stems growing from the ground. Sometimes, it can grow into a small tree. It typically reaches a height of 4 to 10 meters (about 13 to 33 feet). This plant does not have a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber.
Bark and Leaves
The bark of the Eucalyptus protensa is smooth. It can be dark grey or brownish and often looks a bit oily. Its adult leaves are shiny dark green on both sides. They are narrow and shaped like a spear, measuring about 50 to 125 millimeters (2 to 5 inches) long. They are 7 to 17 millimeters (about 0.3 to 0.7 inches) wide. The leaves taper down to a stalk called a petiole, which is 10 to 20 millimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long.
Flowers and Fruit
The flower buds grow in groups of seven. They are found where the leaves meet the stem, which is called a leaf axil. These buds grow on a stem called a peduncle, which is 7 to 13 millimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inches) long. Each individual bud has its own small stalk, or pedicel, that is 3 to 7 millimeters (0.1 to 0.3 inches) long.
When the buds are ready, they are shaped like a cylinder. They are 29 to 40 millimeters (1.1 to 1.6 inches) long and 6 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. The top part of the bud, called the operculum, is long and tapered. It can be up to seven times longer than the base part, known as the floral cup.
The Eucalyptus protensa flowers from September to November. Its flowers are a pretty yellowish-green color. After flowering, it produces a woody fruit. This fruit is shaped like half a sphere or a shortened ball. It is 6 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long and 8 to 13 millimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inches) wide. The valves, which are parts that open to release seeds, stick out strongly from the fruit.
How This Plant Got Its Name
The Eucalyptus protensa was officially described in 1991. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, first wrote about it. They found the plant material about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Norseman in 1983.
The second part of its scientific name, protensa, comes from a Latin word. Protensus means "stretched out" or "extended." This name was chosen because of the very long operculum, or cap, on its flower buds.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This type of eucalypt tree grows in a specific area of Western Australia. You can find it on rolling plains between the towns of Norseman and Balladonia. This area is part of the Fraser Range.
Is This Plant Safe?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the status of this mallee. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that the Eucalyptus protensa is not currently in danger of disappearing.
