Howatharra mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howatharra mallee |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
blaxellii
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The Howatharra mallee (scientific name: Eucalyptus blaxellii) is a special type of eucalyptus tree that grows only in Western Australia. It's known for its smooth bark, long, thin leaves, and pretty white flowers that turn into cup-shaped fruits.
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What is the Howatharra Mallee Like?
The Howatharra mallee is a small tree with many stems. It usually grows to be about 1 to 4 metres (3 to 13 ft) tall. Its bark is smooth and can be grey, pinkish-brown, or a coppery color.
The leaves on young plants are long and thin, about 70–105 mm (2.8–4.1 in) long and 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) wide. They have a small stem called a petiole that connects them to the branch. As the plant gets older, the leaves become a bit wider, about 60–100 mm (2.4–3.9 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) wide. They are shiny green on both sides.
Its flower buds grow in groups of seven. They are found where the leaf meets the stem, in a spot called an axil. Each group of buds sits on a small stalk called a peduncle, which is about 2–8 mm (0.079–0.31 in) long. The individual buds also have tiny stalks called pedicels, about 2–3 mm (0.079–0.12 in) long.
When the buds are ready to open, they are oval-shaped, about 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long. They have a rounded or cone-shaped cap called an operculum. The Howatharra mallee blooms between August and November, showing off its creamy white flowers. After flowering, the plant produces cup-shaped or cone-shaped fruits. These fruits are about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and wide.
How it Got its Name
The Howatharra mallee was officially named Eucalyptus blaxellii in 1992. Two botanists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, described it. They named it after Donald Frederick Blaxell, who first collected a sample of this plant in 1978. He found it near a place called Howatharra Gap, north of Geraldton.
Where Does it Grow?
The Howatharra mallee is found in Western Australia. It grows on rocky hillsides and flat areas near creeks. You can find it in the Wheatbelt area, close to Morawa. It also grows in the Mid West region, between Northampton and Geraldton, especially in the Moresby Range. It prefers sandy-clay soils.
This mallee often grows alongside other plants. Some of its plant neighbors include Eucalyptus loxophleba, Eucalyptus stowardii, Allocasuarina campestris, Melaleuca megacephala, Gastrolobium spinosum, and various types of Acacia plants.
Is it in Danger?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given the Howatharra mallee a special classification. It is listed as "Priority Four". This means it is rare or close to being threatened, so it needs to be watched and protected.
