Leptospermum microcarpum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptospermum microcarpum |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leptospermum
|
| Species: |
microcarpum
|
The Leptospermum microcarpum is a type of shrub found only in eastern Australia. It has long, narrow leaves with a sharp tip. This plant also grows pretty white flowers and small fruits. These fruits drop off soon after their seeds are released.
Contents
What is Leptospermum microcarpum?
Leptospermum microcarpum is a shrub that usually grows about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) tall. Sometimes it can grow even taller. Its bark can be thin and rough, or it can be smooth.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this shrub are shaped like an oval or a narrow spear. They are usually pointed at the tip, about 1 millimeter long. Each leaf can be up to 20 millimeters (about 0.8 inches) long and 4 millimeters (about 0.16 inches) wide. They grow on a short stem called a petiole.
The flowers are white and measure about 8 to 12 millimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inches) across. They grow alone or in pairs on short side branches. Before the flowers open, they have reddish-brown bracts at their base. These bracts fall off as the flower blooms.
The base of the flower, called the floral cup, is very hairy and about 2 to 3 millimeters long. The sepals (small leaf-like parts under the petals) are about 1 millimeter long. The petals are 3 to 5 millimeters long, and the stamens (the parts that make pollen) are 1 to 1.5 millimeters long.
Flowering and Fruit
This plant mainly flowers from August to October. After flowering, it produces a small, round fruit called a capsule. These capsules are about 3 to 4 millimeters wide. Most of them fall off the plant soon after the seeds inside are released.
Naming and Discovery
The Leptospermum microcarpum was first officially described in 1923. A scientist named Edwin Cheel wrote about it in a science journal. The second part of its scientific name, microcarpum, comes from Latin words. "Micro" means "small," and "carpum" means "fruited." So, its name means "small-fruited" tea-tree.
Where Does It Grow?
This special tea-tree likes to grow on rocky mountains and along cliff edges. You can find it in the Wide Bay district of Queensland. It also grows as far south as Ashford in northern New South Wales.
