Gyrocarpus americanus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gyrocarpus americanus |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Gyrocarpus
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| Species: |
americanus
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The Gyrocarpus americanus is a fascinating flowering plant. It belongs to the Hernandiaceae family. You can find this tree all over the world in tropical areas. That's why it's called "pantropical."
People have many fun names for it. Some call it the helicopter tree or propeller tree. This is because of its unique seeds that spin like propellers. Other names include whirly whirly tree, stinkwood, or shitwood. These last two names come from the smell of its flowers.
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What the Helicopter Tree Looks Like
The Gyrocarpus americanus is a tall, slender tree. It can grow up to about 12 meters high. That's like a four-story building! Its bark is smooth and grey. This tree is also deciduous, which means it loses its leaves every year.
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
The leaves of this tree grow in a spiral pattern. They are clustered near the ends of the branches. Each leaf can be quite large, up to 150 millimeters long and 120 millimeters wide. They are shaped like an egg, or "ovate." Often, they have three distinct lobes.
The top side of the leaves is dark green. The underside is paler and looks a bit grey. Both surfaces feel velvety to the touch. You'll notice three main veins starting from the base of the leaf. These veins are usually yellowish. The leaf stalk, which connects the leaf to the branch, can be up to 90 millimeters long.
The tree's flowers are cream to yellowish-green. They grow in tight bunches. Be warned, though, they have a rather unpleasant smell! The fruit of the Gyrocarpus americanus is a woody nut. It has two long, thin wings. These wings help the fruit spin and travel far in the wind. This is how the tree spreads its seeds. The spinning, winged fruit and the smell of the flowers are why it has so many interesting common names.
Where the Helicopter Tree Lives
The Gyrocarpus americanus tree grows in many different parts of the world. It has several types, called subspecies, that are found in specific regions.
Different Types of Helicopter Trees
- G. a. africanus: This type is found in Africa.
- G. a. americanus: This is the most common type. You can find it in East Africa, India, Malesia (islands near Southeast Asia), northern Australia, Melanesia, Polynesia, and both South and Central America.
- G. a. glaber: This type grows in Madagascar.
Scientists have identified these different types based on where they grow and their slight differences. It's amazing how one tree species can spread across so many continents!
See also
- In Spanish: Cedro blanco para niños
