Saltlake mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltlake mallee |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
rigens
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The Saltlake Mallee (scientific name: Eucalyptus rigens) is a special type of eucalyptus tree that grows in Western Australia. It's known for its unique sprawling shape and smooth bark. You can find it mostly around salt lakes in the southwest part of the state. This plant is endemic, meaning it naturally grows only in this specific area of the world. It was first described by two botanists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper.
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About the Saltlake Mallee
The Saltlake Mallee is a low, spreading tree or bush that usually grows up to 4 m (13 ft) (about 13 feet) tall. Sometimes, it even grows almost flat on the ground! It has smooth bark that is grey over white and peels off in strips.
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
- Young Leaves: When the plant is young, or if new shoots grow from the base (called coppice regrowth), its leaves can be quite large. They can be up to 130 mm (5.1 in) (about 5 inches) long and 50 mm (2.0 in) (about 2 inches) wide.
- Adult Leaves: The leaves on older plants are a bit smaller. They are greyish to light green on both sides and shaped like a spear. They can be up to 110 mm (4.3 in) (about 4 inches) long and 25 mm (0.98 in) (about 1 inch) wide. These leaves are firm, stiff, and often stand upright.
- Flower Buds: The flower buds grow in groups of three. They are found where the leaves meet the stem (called the leaf axil). Each group of buds sits on a flat stalk, or peduncle, which is about 5 mm (0.20 in) long. The mature buds are oval-shaped and have ribs. They are about 14 mm (0.55 in) long and 9 mm (0.35 in) wide. The cap of the bud, called the operculum, is also ribbed and shaped like a cone.
- Flowers: The Saltlake Mallee blooms from July to September. Its flowers are a lovely creamy white color.
- Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces woody fruit. These fruits are like small, cup-shaped or conical capsules. They are about 13 mm (0.51 in) long and wide and sit directly on the stem without a stalk (this is called sessile). The parts that open to release seeds, called valves, are almost level with the rim of the fruit.
Naming the Saltlake Mallee
The science of naming and classifying living things is called taxonomy. The Saltlake Mallee, Eucalyptus rigens, was officially described in 1989. This was done by two well-known botanists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper. They found the plant in the Truslove Nature Reserve, near a place called Grass Patch.
The second part of its scientific name, rigens, comes from a Latin word. It means "stiff" or "rigid," which perfectly describes the plant's firm leaves! Their findings were published in a scientific journal called Nuytsia.
Where it Lives
The Saltlake Mallee grows in sandy soils. You can usually find it around the edges of salt lakes. It prefers to live in mallee shrubland areas. These areas are located to the north and north-east of Esperance in Western Australia.
Conservation Status
The conservation status tells us how safe a plant or animal species is from becoming extinct. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified the Saltlake Mallee as "not threatened." This means it is currently not at risk of disappearing.
