Eucalyptus spreta facts for kids

Eucalyptus spreta is a special type of eucalyptus tree. It is known as a mallet or marlock. This means it's a tree that usually doesn't grow new shoots from its base if it's cut down or burned. It only grows naturally in one place: the south coast of Western Australia.

This eucalyptus tree has smooth bark. Its adult leaves are long and narrow, sometimes a bit curved. When it flowers, it has white blossoms that grow in groups of seven. After flowering, it produces cup-shaped fruits.

About Eucalyptus spreta

Eucalyptus spreta is a type of mallet or marlock tree. It usually grows to be about 4 to 10 meters (about 13 to 33 feet) tall. Unlike some other eucalyptus trees, it does not have a special woody lump called a lignotuber at its base. This means it can't regrow from its roots if the main trunk is damaged.

When the plant is young, its leaves are a dull grayish-green. They are shaped like an egg or a spear and are about 6 to 9 centimeters (about 2.4 to 3.5 inches) long. As the tree gets older, its leaves become glossy green on both sides. These adult leaves are narrow and can be straight or slightly curved. They are usually about 7 to 13 centimeters (about 2.8 to 5.1 inches) long.

The flowers of Eucalyptus spreta are white. They grow in groups of seven from the parts of the stem where the leaves join. Each group of flowers is on a short stalk. The flower buds are oval or cylinder-shaped. They are about 7 to 11 millimeters (about 0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. These buds have a cap-like structure called an operculum. This cap protects the flower parts inside.

This tree has been seen flowering in March. After the flowers bloom, they turn into woody, cup-shaped fruits. These fruits are called capsules and are about 4 to 7 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.28 inches) long and wide. The parts that release the seeds are hidden inside the fruit.

How it Got its Name

The scientific name Eucalyptus spreta was first officially described in 2001. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, gave it this name. They wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea.

The word spreta comes from Latin. It means "separated" or "removed." This name was chosen because this type of eucalyptus grows in an isolated area. It is found far away from another similar species called Eucalyptus pileata.

Where it Grows

This mallet tree grows in woodland areas. It prefers flat land with certain types of soil, like chalky loam or red sand. You can find Eucalyptus spreta in Western Australia. It grows to the south and east of a town called Norseman, stretching towards Balladonia. These areas are part of the Coolgardie, Mallee, and Nullarbor regions of Australia.

Conservation Status

The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of how many plants and animals are in danger. They have classified Eucalyptus spreta as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these trees in the wild, and they are not considered to be at risk of disappearing.