Whitey wood facts for kids
Acradenia frankliniae, also known as whitey wood or whity wood, is a special kind of shrub or small tree. It only grows in Tasmania, an island state of Australia. This plant has interesting branches with small bumps, and its leaves are made of three parts. It also grows pretty white flowers.
Quick facts for kids Whitey wood |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Acradenia frankliniae in Dunedin Botanic Garden | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acradenia
|
| Species: |
frankliniae
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
What Does Whitey Wood Look Like?
Whitey wood can grow as a shrub or a small tree, reaching up to about 7 meters (23 feet) tall. Its branches have tiny hairs and small, bumpy glands.
The leaves are made of three parts, like a clover. Each part is narrow and shaped like a spear, wider at the middle and narrower at the base. They can be 20 to 60 millimeters (about 1 to 2.5 inches) long and 5 to 20 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.8 inches) wide. The leaves grow on a small stem called a petiole, which is 3 to 8 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.3 inches) long.
The flowers are white or creamy white. They grow in groups called panicles, which are found where the leaves meet the branch or at the ends of the branches. Each flower petal is 4.5 to 6 millimeters (about 0.2 inches) long and has a few soft hairs on the back. Whitey wood flowers bloom from November to February. Its fruits are ready between February and May.
How Whitey Wood Got Its Name
The scientific name for whitey wood, Acradenia frankliniae, was first officially written down in 1853. This was done by a person named Richard Kippist. The second part of its name, frankliniae, was chosen to honor Jane Franklin, who was also known as "Lady Franklin."
Where Does Whitey Wood Grow?
Whitey wood grows in rainforests in the western part of Tasmania. You can find it from the Pieman River in the north down to the Gordon River in the south. It grows from sea level up to about 200 meters (656 feet) high.
