Woody pear (Xylomelum)
Description
Xylomelum is a genus of seven species in the plant family Proteaceae. The name derives from the Greek xylon (wood) and melon (tree-fruit) (referencing the woody fruit). They are native to Australia, growing in the form of tall shrubs and trees. The genus includes at least two species with the common name woody pear, Xylomelum pyriforme in the eastern states of Australia, and Xylomelum occidentale in Western Australia. Two species, Xylomelum angustifolium and Xylomelum occidentale, are endemic to Western Australia. The remaining species are found in NSW and Queensland. A detailed description of Xylomelum is found at Flora of Australia online. The fruits of Xylomelum are in the form of woody pears. When dried, these pears split down a central division, resulting in two halves. These "pears" are thought to have evolved primarily as a defense against seed predation. However, these woody fruits also provide protection of the seeds from fire. Johnson and Briggs (1963) consider the woody seeds in Proteaceae to be a late evolutionary adaptation to fire.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class:
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Order: Proteales
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Family: Proteaceae
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Genus: Xylomelum
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