Fluted-horn mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fluted-horn mallee |
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| Eucalyptus stowardii between Bencubbin and Koorda | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
stowardii
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| Synonyms | |
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Eucalyptus stowardiMaiden orth. var. |
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The Fluted-horn mallee, officially called Eucalyptus stowardii, is a unique type of plant. It's a kind of mallee, which means it's a small tree or large shrub with many stems growing from the ground. This plant is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has smooth bark, long, thin leaves, and pretty creamy white flowers.
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What Does the Fluted-Horn Mallee Look Like?
The Eucalyptus stowardii is a mallee that usually grows to be about 2.5–7 m (8 ft 2 in – 23 ft 0 in) tall. That's like a small house! It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the plant regrow after a fire. Its trunk and branches have smooth, grey bark.
Leaves and Flowers
Young plants have dull bluish-green leaves that are shaped like an egg or a spear. These leaves are about 80–110 mm (3.1–4.3 in) long and 20–80 mm (0.79–3.15 in) wide. They have a stem, called a petiole.
As the plant gets older, its adult leaves become shiny green on both sides. They are spear-shaped, about 60–138 mm (2.4–5.4 in) long and 12–33 mm (0.47–1.30 in) wide. These leaves also have a petiole, which is about 13–33 mm (0.51–1.30 in) long.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven where the leaves join the stem. These groups are on a thin stem called a peduncle, which is about 15–35 mm (0.59–1.38 in) long. Each individual bud has its own small stem, called a pedicel, about 3–12 mm (0.12–0.47 in) long.
When the buds are ready, they are shaped like a blunt, long oval. They are about 22–39 mm (0.87–1.54 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) wide. They have fine ribs and a rounded cap, called an operculum, which is about the same length as the base of the flower. The Fluted-horn mallee blooms between June and November, showing off its creamy white flowers.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The Fluted-horn mallee was first officially described in 1917. A scientist named Joseph Maiden wrote about it in a science journal. He studied samples of the plant that were collected near Kellerberrin.
The plant's scientific name, stowardii, honors the person who collected those first samples. His name was Frederick Stoward.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find the Fluted-horn mallee in the central northern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It grows in places like stony hills, limestone hills, and along road sides.
It prefers to grow in open areas with shrubs, in soils that are sandy and gravelly. You can spot it between towns like Dowerin, Carnamah, and Wubin.
Is It Endangered?
Good news! The Fluted-horn mallee is currently not considered to be in danger. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified it as "not threatened." This means there are enough of these plants in the wild for now.
