Lancewood facts for kids

Lancewood is a special name given to many different kinds of trees around the world. It can also refer to other things, like a ship! The name "lancewood" often comes from the long, narrow, spear-shaped leaves that many of these trees have. Imagine a knight's lance, and you'll understand why these trees got their name.

Trees

What Makes a Tree a Lancewood?

Many trees called "lancewood" share a common feature: their leaves are long and thin, much like a spear or a lance. This unique shape helps them stand out. These trees grow in various parts of the world, from the rainforests of Australia to the islands of New Zealand and the warm climates of South America.

Different Types of Lancewood Trees

There are many trees known as lancewood, each with its own unique features and home.

New Zealand Lancewoods

New Zealand is home to some very famous lancewood trees, known for their unusual looks, especially when they are young.

• Pseudopanax crassifolius, also called Horoeka, is a fascinating tree. When it's young, it has a single, straight stem with very long, stiff, downward-pointing leaves. These leaves can be up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long! As the tree gets older, it changes its shape completely, growing branches and more typical leaves. This change helps it survive in different environments.
• Pseudopanax ferox is another New Zealand lancewood. Its name, "ferox," means fierce, and it's sometimes called Savage or Fierce Lancewood. This is because its young leaves have sharp, tooth-like edges, making them look a bit spiky. Like its cousin, it also changes its appearance as it grows older.

Australian Lancewoods

Australia has several trees known as lancewood, often found in its diverse forests.

• Acacia shirleyi, Acacia petraea, and Acacia rothii are types of wattle trees from Australia that are sometimes called lancewood. They are known for their tough wood and often grow in drier areas.
• Backhousia myrtifolia is another Australian lancewood. It's a beautiful tree that can be found in rainforests.
• Harpullia pendula, or Tulipwood, is a small to medium-sized rainforest tree from Australia. It's also known as Tulip Lancewood because of its long leaves and sometimes colorful flowers or fruit.

Other Lancewood Trees

Many other trees around the world also carry the name "lancewood."

• Curtisia dentata is known as Cape Lancewood and comes from South Africa. It's a strong tree with beautiful wood.
• Manilkara bidentata is called Red Lancewood and grows in tropical America. Its wood is very hard and strong, making it useful for many things.
• Oxandra species, like Oxandra lanceolata (True Lancewood) and Oxandra laurifolia (White Lancewood), are found in South America and the Caribbean. These trees are known for their very tough and flexible wood.

Other Meanings

A Ship Called Lancewood

Besides trees, "Lancewood" can also refer to a ship!

• USS Lancewood (AN-48) was a ship built in 1943 for the United States Navy. It was used during World War II. Its job was to help lay and retrieve naval mines, which are underwater explosives used to protect harbors or block enemy ships.