Blackbutt mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackbutt mallee |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
zopherophloia
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The blackbutt mallee (scientific name: Eucalyptus zopherophloia) is a type of eucalyptus tree that spreads out. It grows only in a specific area on the west coast of Western Australia. This plant has rough bark on its lower trunk and smooth grey bark higher up. Its leaves are long and narrow, and its flowers are creamy white. It also produces interesting cone-shaped fruits.
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What Does Blackbutt Mallee Look Like?
The blackbutt mallee is a spreading plant that usually grows between 2.5 and 6 meters (about 8 to 20 feet) tall. It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the plant regrow after a fire.
Bark and Leaves
The lower part of the trunk has rough, stringy bark. Higher up, the bark is smooth and grey. Its leaves are long and narrow, like a spear or a narrow oval. They are a dull to slightly shiny light green color on both sides. These leaves are usually between 45 and 103 millimeters (about 1.8 to 4 inches) long. They are also 5 to 13 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide. Each leaf has a stalk, called a petiole, that is 5 to 17 millimeters long.
Flowers and Fruit
The blackbutt mallee's flower buds grow in groups of nine or eleven. They are found where the leaves meet the stem. Each group of buds sits on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 4 to 15 millimeters long. The individual buds are oval-shaped and have a rounded cap.
This plant blooms between October and January. Its flowers are a lovely creamy white color. After flowering, it produces woody, cone-shaped fruits. These fruits are typically 6 to 10 millimeters long and 6 to 9 millimeters wide.
How Blackbutt Mallee Got Its Name
The blackbutt mallee was first officially described in 1993. Two botanists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper, gave it its scientific name, Eucalyptus zopherophloia. They wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Meaning of the Scientific Name
The name zopherophloia comes from ancient Greek words. "Zopheros" means "dusky" or "dark," and "phloios" means "bark." So, the name describes its dark, rough bark.
Where Does Blackbutt Mallee Grow?
You can find the blackbutt mallee along the coast of Western Australia. It grows in areas between Jurien Bay and Zuytdorp Cliffs. This plant prefers to grow in grey or white sand. It also likes areas with limestone rocks mixed into the soil.
Is Blackbutt Mallee Protected?
Yes, the blackbutt mallee is considered a plant that needs attention. The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife lists it as "Priority Four". This means it is rare or close to being threatened. It is important to protect these plants so they can continue to thrive.
