Eucalyptus xerothermica facts for kids

Eucalyptus xerothermica is a special type of Eucalyptus tree or a mallee (a small, bushy tree). It grows only in northern Western Australia. This plant has rough, flaky bark on its trunk and branches. Its leaves are shaped like a spear or are slightly curved. It produces creamy white flowers from buds that grow in small groups. After flowering, it forms woody, cone-shaped fruits.

What Does It Look Like?

Eucalyptus xerothermica can be a tree or a mallee. It usually grows about 6 meters (20 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can reach up to 12 meters (39 feet). This plant has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps it regrow after fires.

Young plants and new shoots have bluish-grey-green leaves. These leaves are about 6.5 to 13 centimeters (2.5 to 5 inches) long. They are also 3 to 6.5 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) wide. They have small stalks.

Adult leaves are green on both sides. They are shaped like a spear or are slightly curved. These leaves are 7.8 to 18 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long. They are 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) wide. Each leaf tapers down to a stalk that is 0.9 to 2.7 centimeters (0.35 to 1 inch) long.

The flower buds usually grow at the ends of the branches. They appear in groups of three or seven. These groups are on a small branching stem called a peduncle. This stem is 3 to 10 millimeters long. Each individual bud might sit directly on the stem or have a tiny stalk up to 6 millimeters long.

Mature buds are oval-shaped. They are about 7 to 8 millimeters long and 4 to 5 millimeters wide. They have a cone-shaped or rounded cap called an operculum. The flowers are a creamy white color. The fruit is a woody, cone-shaped or barrel-shaped capsule. It is 6 to 11 millimeters long and 6 to 9 millimeters wide. The parts that open to release seeds are at the same level as the rim.

How It Got Its Name

Eucalyptus xerothermica was first officially described in the year 2000. Two botanists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, gave it its name. They wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea. They found the first samples of this plant near the Fortescue River in 1983.

The second part of its name, xerothermica, comes from ancient Greek words. "Xero" means "dry" and "thermica" means "hot". This name describes the dry and hot climate where this eucalyptus species grows.

Where It Lives

This eucalyptus tree is found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It also grows near the North West Cape and on islands nearby. You can find it on floodplains and along river banks. It grows in open areas with low, grassy plains called savanna.

Is It Endangered?

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at this species. They have classified it as "not threatened". This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.