Yellowwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellowwood |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Flindersia
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| Species: |
xanthoxyla
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The Yellowwood tree, also known as Long Jack or Yellowwood Ash, is a special kind of tree. It grows only in the rainforests of eastern Australia. This tree has leaves that look like feathers, with 7 to 11 smaller leaves on each stem. It also has pretty yellow flowers that grow in bunches. After the flowers, it grows a woody fruit covered in bumpy points.
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What the Yellowwood Tree Looks Like
The Yellowwood tree can grow very tall, usually reaching about 40–45 m (131–148 ft) high. Its trunk can be as wide as 90 cm (35 in). The trunk is straight and round, with bark that is grey or brownish-grey. This bark has cracks in it and peels off in small pieces.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the Yellowwood tree are quite long, from 110–320 mm (4.3–12.6 in). They are arranged in pairs, with 7 to 11 smaller leaves, called leaflets, on each stem. These leaflets are shaped like eggs or ovals. They are bright green on top and a lighter green underneath.
The Yellowwood tree's flowers are yellow or pale yellow. They grow in large bunches, about 170–250 mm (6.7–9.8 in) long. You can see these flowers from October to February.
Fruit and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, the tree grows a woody fruit. This fruit is about 65–110 mm (2.6–4.3 in) long and has rough, bumpy points on its surface. When the fruit is ready, it splits open into five parts. Inside, it releases winged seeds that are about 33–50 mm (1.3–2.0 in) long. These wings help the seeds fly away in the wind to grow new trees.
How Yellowwood Got Its Name
The Yellowwood tree was first described in 1830 by Charles Fraser. He used notes from Allan Cunningham, who had called it Oxleya xanthoxyla. Later, in 1927, a scientist named Karel Domin changed its name to Flindersia xanthoxyla, which is its official scientific name today.
Where Yellowwood Trees Grow
Yellowwood trees live in dry and subtropical rainforests. They grow at heights between 75 and 500 m (246 and 1,640 ft) above sea level. You can find them from the Richmond River in northern New South Wales all the way up to Gympie in southeastern Queensland, Australia.
Protecting the Yellowwood Tree
The Yellowwood tree is currently considered "least concern" by the Queensland Government. This means that it is not in danger of disappearing right now.
Uses of Yellowwood
Yellowwood trees are beautiful and are sometimes planted for decoration or to provide shade. In the past, the wood from these trees was very useful. People used it to build parts of coaches, make furniture, and create flooring. It was also used for tool handles, and even for things like ammunition boxes and artificial limbs. The wood is known for being strong and can be bent with steam. It is also quite heavy.
