Quoin Head marlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quoin Head marlock |
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| Bark of Eucalyptus mcquoidii | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
mcquoidii
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The Eucalyptus mcquoidii, commonly known as the Quoin Head marlock, is a unique type of marlock or small tree. It grows only in a small area of Western Australia. This plant has smooth, greyish bark. Its adult leaves are shiny green and shaped like narrow lines. The flowers are greenish and grow in groups of up to fifty. Their bases are joined together. After flowering, the plant produces fruit in round clusters.
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What the Quoin Head Marlock Looks Like
The Quoin Head marlock is usually a single-stemmed, shrub-like plant. It can also be a small, stunted tree. It typically grows to be about 0.5 to 3 meters (1.6 to 9.8 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach up to 10 meters (33 feet). This plant has smooth bark that is pale grey and whitish.
Its adult leaves are long and narrow. They are shiny green on both sides. These leaves are about 45 to 80 millimeters (1.8 to 3.1 inches) long. They are also 5 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. The leaves narrow down to a small stalk called a petiole, which is 2 to 8 millimeters (0.08 to 0.3 inches) long.
The flower buds grow in groups of about twenty to fifty. These buds are joined at their base on a long stalk. This stalk is called a peduncle and is 30 to 50 millimeters (1.2 to 2.0 inches) long. Each individual bud is about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide. They have a narrow cap, or operculum, which is 43 to 60 millimeters (1.7 to 2.4 inches) long. The flowers are greenish yellow. They have been seen blooming in April, October, and November. The fruit grows in a round mass. Each fruit is 6 to 10 millimeters (0.24 to 0.39 inches) wide. They have three parts, called valves, that stay joined at the tip.
How the Quoin Head Marlock Got Its Name
The Eucalyptus mcquoidii was first officially described in 2002. This was done by two scientists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper. They found a sample of the plant near Quoin Head. This area is located in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia. The plant's specific name, mcquoidii, honors Nathan McQuoid. He was a head ranger at Fitzgerald River National Park. He helped the scientists a lot with their research.
Where the Quoin Head Marlock Lives
The Quoin Head marlock grows on slopes near the coast. It can also be found along small streams and on top of cliffs. It is only known to live in a small area. This area is near Quoin Head, where the first plant was found.
Protecting the Quoin Head Marlock
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given this eucalypt a special status. It is classified as "Priority Two". This means that the plant is not very well known. It has only been found in one or a few places. This classification helps protect it.
Images for kids
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Bark of Eucalyptus mcquoidii
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A cluster of Eucalyptus mcquoidii fruit.
