Steel box facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steel box |
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| Eucalyptus rummeryi in Burrendong Arboretum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
rummeryi
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The Eucalyptus rummeryi, often called steel box or Rummery's box, is a medium to tall tree. It grows only in northern New South Wales, Australia. This tree has rough bark, long leaves, and white flowers that grow in small groups. Its fruit looks like a small woody cup.
What the Steel Box Tree Looks Like
The Eucalyptus rummeryi is a tall tree, usually growing up to 40 m (130 ft) high. That's about as tall as a 13-story building! It has rough, gray to black bark that feels fibrous or flaky. This bark covers both its trunk and branches.
When the tree is young, or when new shoots grow from its base (called coppice regrowth), its stems are square. The young leaves are dull green and paler underneath. They are shaped like an egg or a spear, about 55–110 mm (2.2–4.3 in) long and 15–35 mm (0.59–1.38 in) wide. They also have a small stem connecting them to the branch.
Adult leaves are shiny green on top and paler underneath. They are shaped like a spear or slightly curved, measuring 80–170 mm (3.1–6.7 in) long and 10–30 mm (0.39–1.18 in) wide. These leaves have a stem (called a petiole) that is 8–22 mm (0.31–0.87 in) long.
The tree's flower buds grow at the ends of its small branches. They appear in groups of three or seven. Each group sits on a small stalk (a peduncle) that is 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) long. The individual buds also have tiny stalks (pedicels) about 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long.
Mature buds are oval or spindle-shaped, about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide. They have a pointy cap (called an operculum) on top. The steel box tree blooms from November to December, showing off its white flowers.
After flowering, the tree produces woody fruits. These fruits are shaped like a cone, a half-sphere, or a cup. They are about 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) long and wide. Inside, the parts that open to release seeds (called valves) are near the rim.
How the Steel Box Tree Got Its Name
The Eucalyptus rummeryi was officially described in 1923 by a scientist named Joseph Maiden. He wrote about it in his book, A Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus.
The tree was named after Edward George Rummery, who collected samples of the tree in 1921 near Casino. The "rummeryi" part of its scientific name is a way to honor him.
Where the Steel Box Tree Grows
The steel box tree likes to grow on slopes and ridges. You can find it in wet or grassy forests. Its natural home stretches from Dorrigo to the northwest of Casino in New South Wales.
