Green scentbark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green scentbark |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
fulgens
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The Green Scentbark (Eucalyptus fulgens) is a special type of eucalypt tree. It's known for its green bark and is found only in Victoria, Australia.
Contents
What Does Green Scentbark Look Like?
The Green Scentbark is usually a small to medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 20 m (66 ft) (about 65 feet) tall. This tree has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow if it gets damaged, for example, by a bushfire.
The bark on the main trunk and bigger branches is thick and dark grey. It feels a bit like rope. The smaller branches sometimes have smooth bark.
Leaves and Flowers
Young Green Scentbark plants have leaves that are shaped like an oval or a spear. These leaves are about 40–105 mm (1.6–4.1 in) long and 18–35 mm (0.71–1.38 in) wide. They either sit directly on the stem or have very short stalks.
As the tree grows, its adult leaves become longer and more curved, like a spear. They are shiny green on both sides. These leaves can be 90–245 mm (3.5–9.6 in) long and 13–40 mm (0.51–1.57 in) wide. They grow on a stalk (called a petiole) that is 10–35 mm (0.39–1.38 in) long.
The tree's flower buds grow in groups where the leaves meet the stem. Each group of buds is on a short stem called a peduncle, which is 2–9 mm (0.079–0.354 in) long. Each individual bud has its own tiny stalk, about 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are oval or spindle-shaped. They are about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) wide. Each bud has a cone-shaped cap called an operculum.
Green Scentbark trees bloom in autumn. Their flowers are white. After the flowers, the tree produces a woody fruit. This fruit is shaped like a half-sphere or a cup. It's about 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) wide. Inside are the seeds.
How Green Scentbark Got Its Name
The Green Scentbark was officially described in 1996 by a scientist named Kevin James Rule. He wrote about it in a science journal called Muelleria. He found the first sample of this tree in a place called Upper Beaconsfield.
The scientific name, fulgens, comes from a Latin word. It means "shining" or "lustrous." This name was chosen because the adult leaves of the Green Scentbark are very glossy and shiny.
Where Does Green Scentbark Live?
This eucalypt tree grows in heavy soils that are found over sandstone. You can find it in areas between Healesville, Woori Yallock, and Driffield in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria, Australia.
Using Green Scentbark in Gardens
The Green Scentbark is a good choice for a shade tree in gardens. It prefers areas that are moist but not too wet. It's also great for attracting birds and butterflies to your garden!
