Goodwood gum facts for kids
The Goodwood gum (scientific name: Eucalyptus hallii) is a special type of tree found only in Queensland, Australia. It's known for its smooth bark and pretty white flowers. This tree is a medium-sized gum tree that has a unique look.
Quick facts for kids Goodwood gum |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Eucalyptus |
| Species: |
E. hallii
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| Binomial name | |
| Eucalyptus hallii Brooker
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Contents
What Does the Goodwood Gum Look Like?
The Goodwood gum is a tree that usually grows up to 20 m (66 ft) (about 65 feet) tall. It has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged.
Bark and Leaves
The tree's bark is smooth and can be white or grey. It peels off to show pretty pale orange or pink colours underneath.
Young Goodwood gum trees have leaves that are shaped like an egg or a wide spear. These leaves are about 12–22 mm (0.47–0.87 in) long and 46–90 mm (1.8–3.5 in) wide. As the tree gets older, its leaves become longer and more curved. Adult leaves are about 120–170 mm (4.7–6.7 in) long and 20–35 mm (0.79–1.38 in) wide. They grow on a small stalk called a petiole, which is about 12–30 mm (0.47–1.18 in) long.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Goodwood gum are white. Before they open, the flower buds grow in groups of seven. These buds are oval-shaped, about 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide.
After the flowers bloom, they turn into a woody, cone-shaped fruit. This fruit is called a capsule. It is about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) wide. The parts that hold the seeds stick out from the top of the fruit.
How the Goodwood Gum Got Its Name
The Goodwood gum was first officially described in 1975 by a scientist named Ian Brooker. He found a sample of the tree near the Goodwood railway station in Queensland.
The tree's scientific name, Eucalyptus hallii, honours Norman Hall. He worked with Ian Brooker and helped create an important book called Forest Trees of Australia.
Where Does the Goodwood Gum Live?
The Goodwood gum grows in woodlands and open forests. It usually prefers flat areas. You can find these trees in Queensland, Australia, mostly between the towns of Bundaberg and Maryborough.
Why Is the Goodwood Gum Important?
The Goodwood gum is listed as "vulnerable" by the Australian Government. This means it is at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it. The main reason it's in danger is because its natural home is being cleared for farms and other human activities.
Protecting these special trees helps keep Australia's unique nature healthy.
