Corackerup marlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corackerup marlock |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
vesiculosa
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The Corackerup marlock, scientifically known as Eucalyptus vesiculosa, is a special type of small, shrubby tree. It's called a marlock because its branches grow all the way down to the ground, making it look like a big bush. This unique plant is found only in a small area along the south coast of Western Australia. It has smooth, shiny bark, interesting egg-shaped leaves, and beautiful red flowers.
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What Does the Corackerup Marlock Look Like?
The Corackerup marlock is a type of marlock tree that usually grows up to 3 m (9.8 ft) (about 10 feet) tall. Unlike some other eucalypts, it doesn't have a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber, which helps some plants regrow after a fire.
Its bark is smooth and shiny, usually grey, but it looks reddish-brown when it's new. The leaves grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. They are thick and the same green color on both sides. These leaves are shaped like an ellipse or an egg, about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in) (2 to 2.7 inches) long and 25–40 mm (0.98–1.57 in) (1 to 1.5 inches) wide. They narrow down to a stalk called a petiole, which is about 20–30 mm (0.79–1.18 in) (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long.
Flowers and Fruit
The flower buds of the Corackerup marlock grow in groups of seven. They appear where the leaves meet the stem, which is called the wikt:axil. These groups of buds are on a stalk called a peduncle, which can be 10–45 mm (0.39–1.77 in) (0.4 to 1.7 inches) long. Some buds are directly attached (called sessile), while others have tiny stalks up to 6 mm (0.24 in) (0.2 inches) long.
When the buds are ready, they are oval-shaped, like an egg sitting in an eggcup. They are about 15–17 mm (0.59–0.67 in) (0.6 inches) long and 9–10 mm (0.35–0.39 in) (0.35 inches) wide. The top part of the bud, called the operculum, is warty and shaped like a cone or is rounded.
This plant has been seen flowering in May, September, and October. Its flowers are bright red and have cream-colored parts called anthers on their stamens. After flowering, the plant produces a woody, cone-shaped fruit. This fruit is a capsule, about 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in) (0.6 to 0.7 inches) long and 14–20 mm (0.55–0.79 in) (0.55 to 0.78 inches) wide. The parts that open to release seeds are almost level with the rim of the fruit.
How Was it Named?
The Corackerup marlock was officially described in 2002 by two scientists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper. They published their findings in a scientific journal called Nuytsia. They had collected samples of the plant in 1995 near the Boxwood Hill - Ongerup road.
The plant's scientific name, vesiculosa, comes from the Latin word vesiculosus. This word means "covered with little blisters." This name refers to the warty, blister-like appearance of the flower bud's operculum.
Where Does it Live?
The Corackerup marlock is very rare. It is only found in two places near Ongerup in Western Australia. In these areas, it grows in groups, almost like pure forests of just this one type of tree.
Is it Endangered?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given this eucalypt a "Priority Four" conservation status. This means that the Corackerup marlock is rare or nearly threatened. It's important to protect these special plants so they can continue to grow in the wild.
