Pear-fruited mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pear-fruited mallee, Dowerin rose |
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| Eucalyptus pyriformis near Three Springs | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
pyriformis
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| E. pyriformis, field distribution | |
| Synonyms | |
The Eucalyptus pyriformis, often called the pear-fruited mallee or Dowerin rose, is a unique type of mallee tree. It is found only in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic to that area. This plant is known for its smooth, greyish-brown bark, and sometimes has ribbon-like bark near its base. Its adult leaves are shaped like eggs or spears. It produces flower buds in groups of three, which open into beautiful red, pink, or creamy white flowers. After flowering, it grows distinctive pear-shaped fruit with noticeable ribs that hang downwards.
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What it Looks Like
The pear-fruited mallee is a straggly plant that usually grows to be about 1.5 to 5 meters (5 to 16 feet) tall. It can spread out to be 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) wide. In nature, it often has many stems, but when grown in gardens, it might have just one main stem.
Its bark is smooth and can be grey or a salmon-pink color. Sometimes, the bark peels off in ribbons near the bottom of the plant. Young plants and new shoots have dull, bluish-green leaves that are egg-shaped. These leaves are about 40 to 70 mm (1.6 to 2.8 inches) long and 30 to 45 mm (1.2 to 1.8 inches) wide.
The adult leaves are a dull bluish or greyish-green on both sides. They are shaped like an egg or a spear, measuring 55 to 95 mm (2.2 to 3.7 inches) long and 15 to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 inches) wide.
The flower buds are oval-shaped and quite large, about 32 to 60 mm (1.3 to 2.4 inches) long and 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) wide. They have ribs on their sides and a beak-like cap. This mallee flowers between May and October, showing off its red, pink, or creamy white blooms.
After the flowers, the plant produces woody, pear-shaped fruits. These fruits hang down and are about 25 to 40 mm (1 to 1.6 inches) long and 30 to 55 mm (1.2 to 2.2 inches) wide. They also have clear ribs on their sides.
Where it Grows
The pear-fruited mallee grows in flat or gently rolling areas of Western Australia. You can find it from the Murchison River in the north down to towns like Dowerin, Goomalling, and Cowcowing in the south.
Its Role in Nature
The flowers of the Eucalyptus pyriformis are very important for local wildlife. They produce a lot of nectar and pollen, which are a great food source for many animals, especially birds and insects.
Protecting the Plant
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified this eucalypt as "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Growing it in Gardens
The Eucalyptus pyriformis is a popular plant for gardens because of its large, hanging flower buds and amazing colorful flowers. You can buy it as young plants (called tube stock) or as seeds.
People plant it for several reasons:
- As an ornamental plant, meaning it looks pretty.
- To create a light screen or barrier.
- To provide a home and food for birds and insects.
- For protection against wind.
This plant is quite tough! It can handle dry weather (drought) and light frost. It also grows well in areas near the coast or further inland.
Taxonomy
The Eucalyptus pyriformis was first officially described by a botanist named Nicolai Stepanovitch Turczaninow in 1849. The name pyriformis comes from a Latin word that means "pear-shaped," which perfectly describes its fruit.
