Stenocarpus sinuatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Firewheel tree |
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| flowers of Stenocarpus sinuatus | |
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Stenocarpus
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sinuatus
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The firewheel tree, also known as Stenocarpus sinuatus, is a special tree found in the rainforests of Australia. It belongs to the Protea family, which includes many unique plants. This tree gets its name from its amazing flowers that look like bright red wheels!
You can find the firewheel tree growing naturally in rainforests from the Nambucca River in New South Wales all the way up to the Atherton Tableland in tropical Queensland. However, because it's so beautiful, people plant it as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks in other parts of Australia and around the world.
Some other common names for this tree are White Beefwood, Queensland Firewheel Tree, Tulip Flower, White Oak, and White Silky Oak.
Contents
What the Firewheel Tree Looks Like
The firewheel tree is a medium to large tree. It can grow very tall, sometimes up to 40 meters (about 130 feet)! Its trunk can be as wide as 75 centimeters (about 30 inches). The bark is usually greyish-brown and has an uneven texture. The bottom of the trunk often has a wider, flanged base.
Leaves
The leaves of the firewheel tree are quite interesting. They grow in an alternating pattern along the branches. What's cool is that the leaves can be different shapes, even on the same tree! Some are simple, while others are deeply lobed, almost like fingers. The edges of the leaves are often wavy. They are usually 12 to 20 centimeters (about 5 to 8 inches) long. You can easily see the veins on both the top and bottom of the leaves. These unique leaves help identify it as part of the Protea family.
Flowers and Fruit
The most eye-catching part of the firewheel tree is its flowers. They are a bright, fiery red color and grow in a circular shape, like a wheel. This is why it's called the Firewheel Tree! These beautiful flowers mostly appear between February and March.
After the flowers, the tree produces a fruit called a follicle. It looks like a boat and is about 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long. Inside this fruit, there are many thin seeds, each about 12 millimeters (half an inch) long. The fruit usually ripens between January and July.
How it Reproduces
The firewheel tree can grow new plants quite easily. Its fresh seeds sprout quickly. You can also grow new trees from cuttings, which means taking a piece of the plant and helping it grow roots.
Why People Like It
The firewheel tree is a very popular ornamental tree. This means people love to plant it in their gardens, parks, and along streets because of its stunning red flowers. It adds a beautiful splash of color to any landscape.
In Art
The unique flower of the firewheel tree has even inspired artists! It was the subject of some famous prints by the Australian artist Margaret Preston, who called it the "Wheel Flower."
See also
In Spanish: Árbol rueda de fuego para niños
