Strzelecki Gum

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 23^rd March, Alex Goudie Reserve, 10am. Come and meet some of Drouin’s dedicated tree huggers – walks and talks, door prizes, plantings, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

Messmate

In 1788, French botanist L'Héritier de Brutelle named a rough-barked tree from Tasmania as Eucalyptus obliqua, the first eucalypt to be named. Messmate, or Messmate Stringybark is a common Gippsland tree.

Messmate grows best in cool, mountain habitats. In ideal conditions, the tree is tall and straight with a coarse fibrous bark extending to the smallest branches.

The species ‘obliqua’ refers to the leaf bases being of unequal length or one side being wider or more round than the other and is a helpful identifier.

Drouin’s most recognised Messmate is the Grandfather Tree in Civic Park. This old, gnarled tree has dominated the locality for probably 200 to 300 years. It contains numerous hollows taken advantage of by some of our urban wildlife.

You can vote for the Grandfather Tree as your favourite Drouin tree by emailing drouinsfavouritetree@gmail.com The winning tree will be announced on National Eucalypt Day at 10am in Alex Goudie Park in Drouin.

 

Mountain Grey Gum

The Mountain Grey Gum, Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, is a classic ‘Gippsland euc’. It usually grows tall and straight to a height of 40+ metres.

Map credit: vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au

The smooth trunks of grey shredding bark are typical but perhaps the best identifying features are the long, lance-shaped leaves and flattened stalks holding the buds/flowers/fruit.

Some of the streets and parks of Drouin are graced with this magnificent tree and the many hollows that some have are a haven for much of our urban wildlife.

This giant in Hearn Park is a classic Mountain Grey Gum

You can vote for Drouin’s favourite eucalypt by email: drouinsfavouritetree@gmail.com The five candidates are (click the links for further information) …

Tree 1 - The Settlement Giant (Mountain Grey Gum) on the corner of Settlement Rd and Springwater Dr.

Tree 2 – The Grandfather Tree (Messmate Stringybark) above the playground in Civic Park.

Tree 3 – The Railway Giant (Mountain Grey Gum) on the corner of Albert Rd and Francis Ave.

Tree 4 – The Old Swimming Hole Giant (Strzelecki Gum) in Lampard Rd opposite the hockey field.

Tree 5 – The Ficifolia corridor in Princes Way between Albert Rd and Main Neerim Rd.