Yellow-flowered moort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellow-flowered moort |
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| Eucalyptus cernua flowers | |
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Eucalyptus
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| Species: |
cernua
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Eucalyptus cernua, often called the red-flowered moort or the yellow-flowered moort, is a unique type of eucalyptus plant. It is a native plant found only in Western Australia.
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How to Spot the Yellow-Flowered Moort
This plant is usually a mallee, which means it's a type of eucalyptus that grows as a shrub or small tree with many stems from the ground. It typically grows about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach up to 5 meters (16 feet) high.
The bark of the yellow-flowered moort is smooth and has a mix of grey and brown colors. It can also look black over new greenish-yellow bark. This plant has a single main stem and does not have a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber.
Its shiny green adult leaves grow one after another along the stem. They are the same color on both sides. Each leaf is shaped like a spearhead, measuring about 4.2 to 9.5 centimeters (1.7 to 3.7 inches) long and 1.2 to 3.3 centimeters (0.5 to 1.3 inches) wide. The leaves taper down to a stalk at their base.
The plant blooms with beautiful crimson-red flowers between October and December. These flower clusters often hang downwards. Each cluster is about 1.2 to 2.8 centimeters (0.5 to 1.1 inches) long and usually has seven flowers grouped together.
Its Scientific Name and History
The Eucalyptus cernua was first officially described by two botanists, Ian Brooker and Stephen Hopper, in 2002. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, cernua, comes from the Latin word cernuus. This word means "nodding" or "towards the earth." This name was chosen because the plant's flower clusters often hang downwards.
Before 2002, people sometimes thought this plant was the same as another species called Eucalyptus nutans.
Where the Yellow-Flowered Moort Grows
The yellow-flowered moort has a small natural home. It grows along the south coast of Western Australia. You can find it in the Goldfields-Esperance region, especially near the town of Ravensthorpe. It is commonly seen in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Why People Grow It
People grow Eucalyptus cernua for several reasons. It makes a lovely plant for gardens and can provide shade. It is also useful for honey production, as bees are attracted to its flowers.
When grown by people, this plant can handle dry areas. It grows slowly and does not need much care to stay healthy.
Images for kids
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Habit at Kundip, between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun
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fruit
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typical leaf
