Eucalyptus volcanica facts for kids

Eucalyptus volcanica is a special type of tree. It grows only in northern New South Wales, Australia. This tree has rough bark on its main trunk. Higher up, its bark is smooth. Its leaves are long and curved. It has white or creamy white flowers. The fruit looks like a small cup or barrel.

What is Eucalyptus volcanica?

Eucalyptus volcanica is a tree that can grow quite tall. It often reaches about 25 meters (82 feet) high. This tree has a special woody swelling at its base. This swelling is called a lignotuber. It helps the tree regrow after fires.

Bark and Leaves

The bark on the main trunk is rough and grey. It can be flaky or stringy. Higher up on the tree, the bark is smooth. It can be grey or green.

Young Eucalyptus volcanica plants have different leaves. These leaves are egg-shaped or round. They are about 5 to 9 cm (2 to 3.5 inches) long. They are also a dull, bluish-green color. These leaves grow directly from the stem. They are arranged in pairs.

As the tree gets older, its leaves change. Adult leaves are glossy green on both sides. They are long and curved. They measure about 10 to 19 cm (4 to 7.5 inches) long. These leaves have a stalk called a petiole. The stalk is about 1.5 to 3.5 cm (0.6 to 1.4 inches) long.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of Eucalyptus volcanica are white or creamy white. They grow in groups of seven. These flower buds are shaped like a cylinder or a pear. They are about 6 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long. Each bud has a cap called an operculum. This cap protects the flower inside.

After the flowers bloom, the tree produces fruit. The fruit is woody and shaped like a cup or barrel. It is about 6 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. These fruits are actually capsules. They hold the tree's seeds.

How it Got its Name

Eucalyptus volcanica was first officially described in 1990. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, named it. They found the first samples near Mount Lindesay.

The name volcanica comes from the word "volcanic." This is because the tree often grows on rocky ground. This ground is made from old volcanic rock. It includes a type of rock called trachyte.

Where it Grows

This tree likes to grow in shallow soils. These soils are usually found over volcanic rocks. You can find Eucalyptus volcanica in high places. It grows in the Nandewar and Warrumbungle Ranges. Both of these ranges are in New South Wales, Australia.