Narrow-leaved red gum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narrow-leaved red gum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
seeana
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The Narrow-leaved red gum (scientific name: Eucalyptus seeana) is a type of tree found only in eastern Australia. It's usually a small to medium-sized tree. This tree is special because it has smooth bark, long, narrow leaves, and pretty white flowers.
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What Does the Narrow-leaved Red Gum Look Like?
The Narrow-leaved red gum can grow quite tall, sometimes up to 40 meters (about 130 feet). When it's young, or if it grows back after being cut (this is called coppice regrowth), its leaves are a dull grey-green. These young leaves are shaped like a spear and are about 5 to 12 cm long.
The leaves on a grown-up tree are a bright green on both sides. They are also spear-shaped, but longer, about 10 to 18 cm long. Each leaf has a stalk, called a petiole, that connects it to the branch.
Before the flowers open, they are in groups of seven, nine, or eleven. These groups grow from the spot where a leaf meets the stem (this is called a leaf axil). Each group of buds is on a short stalk called a peduncle. The individual flower buds also have tiny stalks called pedicels.
The mature flower buds are shaped like an oval or a spindle. They are about 10 to 16 mm long. Each bud has a horn-shaped cap on top, called an operculum, which falls off when the flower opens. The Narrow-leaved red gum flowers in November and December, and its flowers are white.
After flowering, the tree produces fruit. The fruit is a woody, cup-shaped capsule (like a small seed pod). It's about 2 to 5 mm long and 5 to 8 mm wide. The parts that open to release the seeds (called valves) stick out strongly from the fruit.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The Narrow-leaved red gum was first officially described in 1904. This was done by a scientist named Joseph Maiden. He wrote about it in a scientific paper called the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales.
The tree's scientific name, seeana, was chosen to honor John See. He was an important person in Australia at the time.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find the Narrow-leaved red gum growing in forests. It doesn't usually grow in big groups, but rather as individual trees spread out. Its natural home stretches from near Caloundra in Queensland down to near Telegraph Point in New South Wales.
Is It Endangered?
The Narrow-leaved red gum's situation is different depending on where it grows.
In the Taree area of New South Wales, the population of this tree is considered "endangered." This means there aren't many of them left there, and they face threats. These threats include:
- Habitat fragmentation: Their forest homes are being broken up into smaller pieces.
- Weed invasion: Weeds are growing and taking over their space.
- Forestry activities: Some logging or tree-cutting activities can harm them.
However, in Queensland, the tree is classified as "least concern." This means there are enough of them, and they are not currently at risk of disappearing. This classification is under a law called the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
