Scalybark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scalybark |
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| at Erskine Creek | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Syzygium
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| Species: |
fullagarii
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| Synonyms | |
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Cleistocalyx fullagarii |
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The Scalybark (scientific name: Syzygium fullagarii) is a pretty big tree. It belongs to the Myrtle family, just like eucalyptus trees! You can only find this special tree on Lord Howe Island, which is a small island in the Pacific Ocean.
Scalybark trees can grow up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) tall. That's like a six-story building! They often grow in rainforests, especially in places that are sheltered from strong winds. Their bark is reddish-brown and usually flakes off when you touch it, which is how it got its name. The bottom of the tree often has strong, wide roots that look like supports, called buttresses. For a long time, this tree was known by a different name, Cleistocalyx fullagarii, but now it's part of the larger Syzygium group of trees.
What is the Scalybark Tree Like?
The Scalybark is a large tree that can reach 20 meters (65 feet) in height. It has a strong trunk with those special buttressed roots at the bottom. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in flakes.
Its leaves are tough and feel a bit like leather. They are usually between 5 and 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) wide.
The tree produces pretty cream-white flowers. These flowers usually appear from mid-January to mid-April. After the flowers, the tree grows red, fleshy, cone-shaped berries. These berries are about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long.
Where Does the Scalybark Tree Live?
The Scalybark tree is a unique plant because it grows only on Lord Howe Island. It's so common there that it can be the main tree you see in sheltered parts of the forest.
In fact, there's a whole forest type on the island named after it: the Scalybark (Syzygium fullagarii) Closed Forest. This forest covers a large area and is mostly protected. These trees grow on volcanic soil, usually up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level.
Sometimes, other plants that don't belong to the island try to grow in these forests. The Scalybark is also an important part of another very rare forest type called the Lagunaria Swamp Forest.
How Have People Used Scalybark?
In the past, people on Lord Howe Island used the wood from Scalybark trees for timber. This means they cut down the trees to use the wood for building or other purposes.
