Stirling Range mallee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stirling Range mallee |
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| Eucalyptus erectifolia in the Stirling Range | |
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Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
erectifolia
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The Stirling Range mallee (Eucalyptus erectifolia) is a special type of eucalyptus tree. It grows only in Western Australia, which means it is endemic there. This plant has smooth bark and long, narrow adult leaves. Its flower buds grow in groups of seven to thirteen. When they bloom, they show off white flowers. Later, the plant produces cup-shaped fruits.
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What the Stirling Range Mallee Looks Like
The Stirling Range mallee is a type of mallee, which means it's a small, bushy tree. It usually grows to be about 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) tall. This plant has smooth, grey bark. It also has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps the plant regrow after a fire.
Leaves and Flowers
Young plants and new shoots have egg-shaped leaves. These leaves are about 50 to 120 millimeters (2 to 4.7 inches) long. They are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stem.
Adult leaves are different. They are narrow and shaped like a spear. These leaves are about 55 to 105 millimeters (2.2 to 4.1 inches) long. They grow on a small stalk called a petiole, which is about 5 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long.
The flower buds grow in groups of seven to thirteen. Each group grows on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 10 to 25 millimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. Each individual bud has its own tiny stalk, called a pedicel, which is 1 to 4 millimeters (0.04 to 0.16 inches) long.
Mature buds are oval or spindle-shaped. They are 7 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. Each bud has a cone-shaped cap called an operculum. The flowers are white and usually bloom between March and May.
Fruit of the Mallee
After flowering, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a woody, cup-shaped capsule. It is about 11 to 14 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. The fruit is also about 14 to 18 millimeters (0.6 to 0.7 inches) wide. Inside, there are small parts called valves that are almost level with the rim of the fruit.
How it Got its Name
The Eucalyptus erectifolia was first officially described in 1986. Two scientists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper, gave it its name. They found a sample of the plant in the Stirling Range in 1981. They wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, erectifolia, tells us something special about the plant. It comes from two Latin words: "erectus" which means "erect" or "upright", and "-folia" which means "leaved". This name refers to how the leaves of this plant stand upright on the tree.
This plant belongs to a group of mallees called Diversiformae. All plants in this group have adult leaves that stand upright. Their buds have a single, smooth cap, and their seeds are shaped like pyramids.
Where the Mallee Grows
The Stirling Range mallee grows in a specific area. You can find it in the Stirling Range in Western Australia. It likes to grow in sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils. It is often found in open shrubland on hillsides and flat sandy areas.
Protecting the Stirling Range Mallee
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants like the Stirling Range mallee. They have classified it as "Priority Four". This means the plant is rare or close to being threatened. It needs special attention to make sure it stays safe and healthy in the wild.
