Eucalyptus valens facts for kids

Eucalyptus valens is a special kind of tree found only in a small part of Western Australia. It's often called a "mallet." This means it's a tree that grows tall but doesn't have a special woody lump at its base called a lignotuber. Many other eucalyptus trees have this lump, which helps them regrow after a fire. This tree is known for its smooth bark, long, narrow leaves, and cup-shaped fruits.

What Eucalyptus valens Looks Like

Eucalyptus valens is a type of tree called a mallet. It usually grows up to 10 m (33 ft) (about 33 feet) tall. Its bark is smooth and can be white, light grey, or cream-coloured.

When the plant is young, its stems are square. Its leaves are a dull bluish-green colour. They are shaped like an egg or a spear, about 80–120 mm (3.1–4.7 in) (3 to 4.7 inches) long and 50–110 mm (2.0–4.3 in) (2 to 4.3 inches) wide.

As the tree gets older, its leaves become shiny green and keep their spear-like shape. These adult leaves are longer, about 90–155 mm (3.5–6.1 in) (3.5 to 6.1 inches) long and 15–35 mm (0.59–1.38 in) (0.6 to 1.4 inches) wide. They narrow down to a stalk called a petiole, which is about 18–33 mm (0.71–1.30 in) (0.7 to 1.3 inches) long.

The flowers of Eucalyptus valens grow in groups of seven. These groups appear where the leaves join the stem, in an area called the axil. Each group of flowers grows on a thick, short stem called a peduncle, which is only 2–5 mm (0.079–0.197 in) (0.08 to 0.2 inches) long. The individual flower buds are either directly attached (called sessile) or have very short stalks (called pedicels) up to 2 mm (0.079 in) (0.08 inches) long.

When the flower buds are ready, they are oval-shaped, about 9–13 mm (0.35–0.51 in) (0.35 to 0.5 inches) long and 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) (0.24 to 0.31 inches) wide. They have a ribbed, cone-shaped, or beaked cap called an operculum. This cap protects the flower parts inside.

After the flowers bloom, they turn into cup-shaped fruits. These fruits are directly attached to the stem (sessile). They are about 6–11 mm (0.24–0.43 in) (0.24 to 0.43 inches) long and 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in) (0.31 to 0.43 inches) wide. Inside the fruit, there are small parts called valves that are level with the rim.

Naming and Discovery

The scientific name Eucalyptus valens was first officially described in 2001. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea. They studied samples of the tree that Ian Brooker had collected near Lake King in 1977.

The second part of the name, valens, comes from a Latin word. It means "vigorous" or "strong." This name was chosen because of how strongly this tree grows.

Where Eucalyptus valens Lives

This mallet tree grows in the woodlands of the coastal plains in Western Australia. You can find it in areas from near Mount Ragged in the Cape Arid National Park all the way to towns like Scaddan and Salmon Gums.

Conservation Status

The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife checks on the health of plants and animals. They have classified Eucalyptus valens as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these trees, and they are not in danger of disappearing.