Kenneally's white gum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kenneally's white gum |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
kenneallyi
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The Kenneally's white gum (Eucalyptus kenneallyi) is a special type of tree. It only grows on two small islands near the Kimberley coast in Western Australia. This tree has smooth bark and leaves shaped like a spear. Its flowers are white, and its fruit looks like a small cylinder.
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What Kenneally's White Gum Looks Like
Kenneally's white gum trees usually grow up to 8 meters (about 26 feet) tall. They have smooth bark that can be white or brownish. This bark peels off in big pieces.
The tree's leaves are green on both sides. They are shaped like a spear, which means they are long and narrow. These leaves are about 6 to 11 centimeters (2.4 to 4.3 inches) long. They grow on a small stem called a petiole, which is about 1 to 2.3 centimeters (0.4 to 0.9 inches) long.
The flowers of this gum tree are white or cream-colored. They grow in small groups, usually seven buds together. Each group of buds sits on a short stalk called a peduncle. The mature buds are oval-shaped and about 6 to 7 millimeters (0.24 to 0.28 inches) long.
After the flowers bloom, the tree produces a woody fruit. This fruit is shaped like a cylinder and is about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) long.
How it Got its Name
The Kenneally's white gum was officially described in the year 2000. Two scientists, Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson, gave it its scientific name. They found a sample of the tree that was collected by Kevin Kenneally on Storr Island.
The second part of its scientific name, kenneallyi, honors Kevin Francis Kenneally. He was the person who first collected the plant sample.
Where it Lives
Kenneally's white gum is a very rare tree. It is only found on two islands: Storr Island and Koolan Island. These islands are located off the northern coast of the Kimberley region in Western Australia. The tree grows in thin, sandy soil on hard, rocky areas.
Why it's Important to Protect it
This special eucalypt is listed as "Priority One" by the Government of Western Australia. This means it is known from only a few places. Because of this, it is at risk and needs to be protected. Protecting these unique trees helps keep our planet's plant life diverse and healthy.
