Silky myrtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silky myrtle |
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| Silky myrtle | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Decaspermum
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| Species: |
humile
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| Synonyms | |
The Decaspermum humile, also known as the silky myrtle, is a beautiful tree found in Australia and parts of Asia. People sometimes call it the currant myrtle because its fruit can be used as bush food. This tree has a lovely dark, shiny top. Its new leaves are especially pretty, appearing pink with silvery hairs.
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About the Silky Myrtle's Name
This plant got its first scientific name, Nelitris humilis, in 1832 from a Scottish botanist named George Don. Later, in 1980, it was given its current name, Decaspermum humile.
The name Decaspermum means "ten seeds." This is because the fruit of this plant often contains about ten seeds. The word humile means "small" or "lowly." This part of the name refers to how the plant often looks like a bush or a small tree. However, some silky myrtles can actually grow quite tall, reaching up to 25 meters (about 80 feet)!
What the Silky Myrtle Looks Like
The silky myrtle can be a shrub or a small tree. It sometimes grows as tall as 25 meters (80 feet). Its main stem, or trunk, can be up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) wide. The trunk often has an interesting shape, sometimes angled or a bit twisted. Very old trees might have a slightly wider base.
The bark of the tree is rough and brown. It has thin, papery pieces that peel off in vertical strips. The smaller branches are covered in shiny, silvery hairs. As they get older, these branches turn a reddish-brown color.
Leaves of the Silky Myrtle
The leaves of the silky myrtle are usually between 2 and 8 centimeters (0.8–3.6 inches) long. They are about 1.5 to 3 centimeters (0.6–1.2 inches) wide. They grow in pairs, opposite each other on the stem. The leaves are dark green on both sides, though the underside is a little less shiny.
One special thing about this tree is its new leaves. They are a beautiful pink color and covered with soft, silvery hairs. This makes them look very attractive. The leaves have a pointed tip, which helps water drip off them.
Flowers and Fruit
The silky myrtle produces white or light purple flowers. These flowers usually appear from March to May, but sometimes as late as October. They grow in clusters either where the leaves meet the stem or at the ends of the branches.
After the flowers, the tree grows round, black berries. These berries have small leaf-like parts on top. Inside each berry, you'll find about ten seeds. These seeds are small, usually 3 to 6 millimeters across. The fruit ripens between May and November.
To grow new trees from seeds, it's best to remove the fruit's flesh first. Soaking the seeds can also help get rid of any tiny insect larvae. About half of the seeds will sprout after three months. You can also grow new plants from cuttings, which means taking a piece of the plant and helping it grow roots.
Where the Silky Myrtle Lives
The silky myrtle likes to grow in drier rainforests. It often prefers shallow, rocky soils that come from volcanoes. In Australia, you might find it growing near other trees like the Python Tree and the Scrub Ironwood.
You can find this tree in Australia, from Ourimbah, New South Wales in the south all the way up to northern Queensland. It also grows in Southeast Asia and India. The silky myrtle is the only type of Decaspermum tree that grows in Australia.
Growing Silky Myrtle at Home
The silky myrtle has many features that make it a good plant for gardens. Its bark has interesting grooves, its leaves are shiny, and its flowers smell nice.
You can grow it as an indoor plant or in a pot. It adds a touch of beauty to any space.
Images for kids
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Silky myrtle
