In 1992, Eucalyptus strzeleckii was identified and named in honour of Paul Strzelecki, an early explorer of Gippsland. Strzelecki Gums are endemic to a small part of West and South Gippsland where they tend to grow in deep fertile soils.
Because of its limited distribution, Eucalyptus strzeleckii is listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and as Critically Endangered in the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. In both acts, the major threats to this tree include its limited geographic distribution, fragmentation, grazing and trampling by stock, habitat loss, roadworks and loss of genetic diversity.
Strzelecki Gums generally grow straight and tall - the best specimens seem to grow where their root zones get some periodic inundation. Their trunks can have rough bark to varying heights after which it is smooth and shreds in ribbons revealing grey, white, red, green and brown mottling.
The leaves of the Strzelecki Gum are generally oval to lance shaped and often have wavy edges. New leaves have a grey-blue appearance giving the tips a waxy look. Crushed leaves have a strong eucalyptus smell because of the concentration of oil glands.
McNeilly Park in Jackson Dr Drouin is a great place to see both mature and young Strzelecki Gums. The ‘McNeilly Giant’ in the south west corner, although damaged in a recent wind storm, still dominates the skyline.
On the east bank of the back lake, a natural-recruitment patch of young strzeleckii is standing tall and straight.
You can vote for Drouin’s favourite tree by emailing drouinsfavouritetree@gmail.com The winning tree will be announced on National Eucalypt Day, Saturday 23rd March, Alex Goudie Reserve, 10am. Come and meet some of Drouin’s dedicated tree huggers – walks and talks, door prizes, plantings, etc.
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