Drouin's most significant Ironbark tree is located at the
rear of the library and right now is well in flower and attracting a variety of
honeyeaters.
Ironbarks, E. sideroxylon/tricarpa(?), are not especially
indigenous to West Gippsland. The 'library tree' however is quite large, (30m
tall, 3m girth), and if not a remnant, it was certainly planted early in the
life of Drouin.
Ironbarks are high value trees – landscaping, wildlife
habitat, high-grade, strong and durable timber, tolerant of drought and
low-grade soils, high nectar producers, etc.
The Box-Ironbark forests in central Victoria are highly
protected. There are some small remnant stands of Ironbark in the
Maffra-Heyfield area of Central Gippsland and further east around Bairnsdale
and Lakes Entrance.
Can you remember reading or being read "The Iron Bark
Chip" by Henry Lawson? One of my favourite Australian stories. You can
read it or re-read it here, LINK.
Red Ironbarks have characteristic persistent black and
deeply furrowed bark – which acts as an excellent insulation during bushfires –
red, pink or white flowers that bloom during Winter. Many authorities regard
the species as ideal street and parkland trees.
Such a valuable sentinel.
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