Eucalyptus suffulgens facts for kids

Eucalyptus suffulgens is a type of tree that grows only in Queensland, Australia. It's a special kind of Eucalyptus tree. This tree has tough, dark bark called ironbark on its main trunk and big branches. Its leaves are shaped like a spear, and its flowers are white. After flowering, it grows fruit that looks like a small barrel.

What Does the Eucalyptus suffulgens Look Like?

Eucalyptus suffulgens is usually a small to medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 25 m (82 ft) tall. This tree has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged.

Its Bark and Leaves

The main trunk and larger branches have dark grey to black bark. This bark is very hard and rough, which is why it's called ironbark. The thinner branches often have smooth bark.

Young plants and new shoots have shiny green leaves. These leaves are shaped like a spear. They are about 70–130 mm (2.8–5.1 in) long and 6–25 mm (0.24–0.98 in) wide.

Adult leaves are also shiny green on both sides. They are lance-shaped, about 80–160 mm (3.1–6.3 in) long and 15–25 mm (0.59–0.98 in) wide. These leaves have a stalk called a petiole that is 8–20 mm (0.31–0.79 in) long.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of Eucalyptus suffulgens are white. They usually bloom from April to September. The flower buds grow in groups of seven. These groups are found at the ends of the tree's small branches.

Each group of buds grows on a short stalk called a peduncle. Each individual bud also has its own tiny stalk, called a pedicel. The mature buds are oval or pear-shaped. They are about 7–10 mm (0.28–0.39 in) long.

After the flowers bloom, the tree produces fruit. The fruit is woody and shaped like a barrel. It is about 7–13 mm (0.28–0.51 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) wide.

How Was This Tree Named?

The Eucalyptus suffulgens was first officially described in 1991. Two botanists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, gave it its scientific name. They published their description in a science journal called Telopea.

The name suffulgens comes from Latin words. "Sub-" means "somewhat," and "fulgens" means "shining." This name refers to the slightly shiny look of the tree's leaves.

Where Does This Tree Grow?

This ironbark tree is found in many places in central Queensland. It grows well on shallow soil. You can often see it on rocky ranges and steep hillsides. A good place to find it is in the Blackdown Tableland.

Is This Tree Protected?

The Queensland Government has a special law called the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Under this law, Eucalyptus suffulgens is listed as "least concern." This means that the tree is not currently at risk of disappearing.