Eucalyptus × brachyphylla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eucalyptus × brachyphylla |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Eucalyptus × brachyphylla near Elizabeth, South Australia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
|
| Species: |
× brachyphylla
|
The Eucalyptus × brachyphylla is a special kind of eucalypt that grows as a mallee or a small tree. It is found only in a small part of Western Australia. This tree has rough bark near its base and smooth, greyish bark higher up. It has egg-shaped leaves, white flowers that grow in groups, and cone-shaped fruit.
What it Looks Like
The Eucalyptus × brachyphylla usually grows up to 4 metres (13 ft) tall. It often grows as a mallee, which means it has many stems coming from the ground instead of just one main trunk. The bark near the bottom of the tree is rough and grey, with pieces that peel off. Higher up, the bark is smooth and can be a mix of bronze and dark grey.
Its smaller branches look dusty or powdery, which is called "glaucous." Young leaves and new growth are also glaucous and can be shaped like triangles, eggs, or circles. They are about 25–45 mm (0.98–1.8 in) long and 15–35 mm (0.59–1.4 in) wide. The adult leaves are egg-shaped to oval, about 25–55 mm (0.98–2.2 in) long and 15–35 mm (0.59–1.4 in) wide. They are dull grey-green or glaucous.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven in the axils (the spot where a leaf joins the stem). Each group of buds sits on a stalk about 4–13 mm (0.16–0.51 in) long. The buds themselves are oval, about 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long, and have a cone-shaped cap. This eucalypt blooms in June and again from August to September, showing off its pretty white flowers. After flowering, it produces cone-shaped fruit that are about 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) long.
How it Got its Name
The Eucalyptus × brachyphylla was first officially described in 1943 by a botanist named Charles Gardner. He found a sample of the tree near Lake Cowan.
Later, in 1996, two other scientists, Peter Grayling and Ian Brooker, suggested that this eucalypt is actually a hybrid. This means it's a mix of two other eucalyptus species: the Eucalyptus kruseana and the Eucalyptus loxophleba. This idea is now widely accepted by plant experts in Australia.
The name brachyphylla comes from two Ancient Greek words: brachys, which means "short," and phyllon, which means "leaf." So, its name basically means "short-leafed."
Where it Grows
This special eucalypt is only found in a few places in Western Australia. You can see it near Kalgoorlie, at Cardunia Rock north of Karonie, and near Widgiemooltha. It usually grows close to large granite rocks in hilly areas.
Protecting This Plant
The Eucalyptus × brachyphylla is considered a "Priority Four" plant by the Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife. This means it is rare or almost threatened, and efforts are being made to protect it so it doesn't disappear.
