Eucalyptus tenuis facts for kids
Eucalyptus tenuis is a type of tall, slender eucalypt tree found only in the southwest part of Western Australia. It's known for its smooth bark, long, narrow leaves, and pretty creamy white flowers that grow in small groups. After flowering, it produces interesting cone-shaped fruits.
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus tenuis |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
tenuis
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Contents
What is Eucalyptus tenuis?
Eucalyptus tenuis is a slender tree that usually grows up to 10 m (33 ft) (about 33 feet) tall. Unlike some other eucalypts, it doesn't have a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. Its bark is smooth and can be pale grey to brownish. This bark peels off in long strips, which is a cool feature!
Leaves of the Slender Mallet
When the plant is young, its leaves are a bluish-green color. They are shaped like a spearhead, measuring about 55–80 mm (2.2–3.1 in) (2-3 inches) long and 13–35 mm (0.51–1.38 in) (0.5-1.4 inches) wide.
As the tree gets older, its adult leaves become glossy green on both sides. They keep their spearhead shape, but they grow much longer, from 60 mm (2.4 in) to over 1 m (3 ft 3 in) (2.4 inches to over 3 feet) long! They are also quite narrow, only 7–15 mm (0.28–0.59 in) (0.3-0.6 inches) wide. Each leaf has a stalk, called a petiole, that is about 10–20 mm (0.39–0.79 in) (0.4-0.8 inches) long.
Flowers and Fruit of Eucalyptus tenuis
The flowers of Eucalyptus tenuis are a lovely creamy white color. They grow in small groups of three, right where the leaves meet the stem (this spot is called a leaf axil). Each group of flowers grows on a short stalk, known as a peduncle, which is about 4–20 mm (0.16–0.79 in) (0.16-0.8 inches) long. The individual flower buds also have their own tiny stalks, called pedicels, about 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) (0.2-0.3 inches) long.
When the flower buds are ready to open, they look like small pears or ovals. They are about 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) (0.3-0.4 inches) long and 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) (0.2-0.35 inches) wide. Each bud has a rounded cap, called an operculum, which pops off when the flower blooms. These trees have been seen flowering in March.
After the flowers bloom, they turn into woody fruits. These fruits are shaped like cones, cups, or bells. They are about 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) (0.3-0.5 inches) long and 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) (0.3-0.4 inches) wide. Inside, they have valves (like little doors) that are close to the rim.
How Eucalyptus tenuis Got Its Name
Eucalyptus tenuis was officially described for the first time in 1993. Two scientists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper, gave it its scientific name. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The name tenuis comes from a Latin word that means "thin" or "slender." This name perfectly describes the slender stems of this unique eucalypt tree.
Where Eucalyptus tenuis Grows
This special eucalypt tree is found in a few scattered places in Western Australia. You can spot it growing between the towns of Coolgardie, Norseman, and Hyden. It prefers to grow in red, sandy-loam-clay soils, which are a mix of sand, silt, and clay.
Conservation Status
The good news is that the Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Eucalyptus tenuis as "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
