Eucalyptus selachiana facts for kids

Eucalyptus selachiana is a unique type of plant known as a mallee. It is native to a small part of Western Australia, specifically in the Gascoyne region. This plant is a member of the large Eucalyptus family, which includes many well-known Australian trees.

What is Eucalyptus selachiana?

This special mallee usually grows to be about 1.7 to 3 meters (around 5 to 10 feet) tall. It has shiny, green adult leaves that look very healthy. When it blooms, which happens between February and April, it produces simple groups of white flowers. These flowers grow in clusters of three, which is a common way for some eucalyptus plants to bloom.

Where Does it Grow?

Eucalyptus selachiana is found in specific areas within the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. You can spot it growing in low, open woodlands between the towns of Carnarvon and Shark Bay. It prefers to grow in sandy soils that contain a lot of calcium, which helps it thrive in its natural environment.

How Was it Discovered?

This plant was first officially described in 1998. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, gave it its scientific name. They published their findings in a science journal called Telopea.

However, the way scientists classify plants can sometimes change. Today, the Australian Plant Census considers Eucalyptus selachiana to be a synonym. This means it is now thought to be the same plant as a subspecies of another eucalyptus, called E. eudesmioides subsp. Selachiana. Scientists are still studying and learning more about these plants.