Narrow-leaved bloodwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narrow-leaved bloodwood |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corymbia
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| Species: |
lenziana
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Corymbia lenziana, often called the narrow-leaved bloodwood, is a unique type of small tree. It is found only in Western Australia. This tree has rough bark on its trunk and branches that looks like a pattern of small squares. It also has long, narrow leaves, white flowers that grow in groups, and round, woody fruits.
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About the Narrow-leaved Bloodwood
The Corymbia lenziana is a small, often bushy tree. It usually grows up to 10 m (33 ft) tall. This tree has a special woody swelling at the base of its trunk called a lignotuber. This helps the tree regrow after things like bushfires.
Its bark is rough and looks like a puzzle or a checkerboard pattern. It is usually brownish in color and covers both the trunk and branches.
Leaves and Flowers
Young plants and new shoots have long, thin leaves. These leaves are about 40–100 mm (1.6–3.9 in) long and 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in) wide. They have a small stem, called a petiole, that connects them to the branch.
Adult leaves are a dull green color on both sides. They are a bit larger, measuring 65–120 mm (2.6–4.7 in) long and 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) wide. Their petiole is about 4–15 mm (0.16–0.59 in) long.
The flowers of the narrow-leaved bloodwood grow in groups. They are found at the ends of the branches on a main flower stem, called a peduncle, which is 5–13 mm (0.20–0.51 in) long. Each part of this stem has seven flower buds. These buds sit on smaller stems, called pedicels, which are 2–7 mm (0.079–0.276 in) long.
The mature flower buds are oval or pear-shaped. They are about 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) long and 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) wide. Each bud has a rounded cap, called an operculum, that covers the flower inside. This tree has been seen flowering in March, and its flowers are white.
Fruit
After flowering, the tree produces a woody, round fruit. This fruit is a type of seed pod called a capsule. It is about 12–19 mm (0.47–0.75 in) long and 10–17 mm (0.39–0.67 in) wide. The parts that open to release the seeds are tucked deep inside the fruit.
How it Got its Name
The narrow-leaved bloodwood was first officially described in 1985. Two botanists, Denis Carr and Stella Carr, gave it the name Eucalyptus lenziana. Later, in 1995, other botanists named Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson changed its name to Corymbia lenziana.
The second part of its scientific name, lenziana, was chosen to honor Janette Rosemary Lenz, who was born in 1948.
Where it Lives
Corymbia lenziana grows in sandy areas and on low hills in the deserts or semi-desert sand dunes of Western Australia. It is often found in areas with mulga trees. You can find it inland from Shark Bay all the way to the east of Wiluna. It lives in several different natural regions of Western Australia, including Carnarvon, Central Ranges, Gascoyne, and Murchison.
Conservation Status
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife says that this type of eucalypt is "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
