Small-leaved gum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small-leaved gum |
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| Eucalyptus parvula in Batemans Bay Botanic Gardens | |
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Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
parvula
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| Synonyms | |
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Eucalyptus parvifolia Cambage nom. illeg. |
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The Small-leaved gum (scientific name: Eucalyptus parvula) is a special kind of small tree. It grows only in the south-eastern part of New South Wales, Australia. This tree has smooth bark and interesting leaves. Its flowers are white, and its fruits look like small cups.
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What Does the Small-leaved Gum Look Like?
The Small-leaved gum is a tree that usually grows to be about 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) tall. It has a rounded top, like a compact crown. The bark is mostly smooth and greyish. It peels off in long strips, but sometimes the bark at the bottom of the trunk is rough.
Leaves and How They Grow
Young Small-leaved gum trees have shiny green leaves. These leaves are shaped like eggs or spears. They are about 1.6 to 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1.6 inches) long. They grow in pairs right on the stem, without a stalk.
Older trees have spear-shaped leaves that are a dull green color. These leaves are about 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 2.8 inches) long. They have a very short stalk, about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. It's cool because even on grown-up trees, you can often see many young-looking leaves mixed in!
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Small-leaved gum grow in groups of seven. They appear in the leaf axils, which are the spots where leaves join the stem. Each group of flowers grows on a short stem called a peduncle.
The flower buds are oval-shaped. They are about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) long. Each bud has a cone-shaped cap on top. The tree blooms from January to March, and its flowers are white. After the flowers, the tree produces woody fruits. These fruits are shaped like small cups and are about 3 to 5 millimeters (0.12 to 0.2 inches) wide.
How the Small-leaved Gum Got Its Name
The Small-leaved gum has an interesting history with its name. In 1909, a scientist named Richard Hind Cambage first described it. He called it Eucalyptus parvifolia.
However, that name had already been used for a fossil plant in 1895. So, the name Eucalyptus parvifolia was not allowed. It was a "nomen illegitimum," which means an illegal name in science.
Later, in 1991, two other scientists, Lawrie Johnson and Ken Hill, gave the tree its current name: Eucalyptus parvula. The word "parvula" comes from Latin and means "very small." This name fits because of the tree's small leaves.
Where Does the Small-leaved Gum Live?
The Small-leaved gum grows in specific areas of New South Wales. You can find it in grassy woodlands. It prefers cold, damp places on the Southern Tablelands. Some of the areas where it grows are near Badja and Cathcart, which are east of Cooma.
Why Is the Small-leaved Gum Important to Protect?
This special eucalypt tree is considered "vulnerable" by the Australian Government. This means it's at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it. The New South Wales Government lists it as "endangered," which is an even higher level of risk.
The biggest threat to the Small-leaved gum is when farm animals, like cows or sheep, eat too much of it. This is called grazing. Protecting these trees helps make sure they can keep growing for a long time.
Growing Small-leaved Gum in Gardens
The Small-leaved gum is a great tree for gardens, especially smaller ones. It has a nice, rounded shape and its branches grow close to the ground. It can handle cold and damp weather well. Plus, it's pretty good at resisting common plant pests and diseases.
In the United Kingdom, this tree has even won an award! The Royal Horticultural Society gave it their Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardens.
