Tree ID: 345 (Significant)

9 Apr

Written By Victoria Park Residents Action Group

Details

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus tereticornis
Common Name: Queensland blue gum / forest red gum (full list of common names)
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH in mm): 1,140
Stems: No
Height (m): 20
Crown (m): 10
Structure: Typical
Habitat Features: Basal Hollow
Tree Protection Zones (m): 13.68

Hollow Bearing Trees

This tree contains a basal hollow. A basal hollow is a cavity or hollow found at the base of a tree trunk. Hollow-bearing trees play a vital role in healthy ecosystems, providing essential shelter and nesting sites for a wide variety of wildlife. Many birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects rely on the natural hollows that form in older trees, some species depending on them entirely for survival. These trees support biodiversity by offering safe spaces for breeding, resting, and protection from predators and harsh weather. Since hollows can take over a century to develop, old trees are irreplaceable in the short term, making their conservation especially important. By protecting hollow-bearing trees, we help maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensure that future generations of wildlife have the habitats they need to thrive.

“Hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs and other ecological features are to be retained and incorporated…” (28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.24)

Estimation of Tree Age (DBM Analysis)

This tree is categorised as an “old tree” based on the following diameter at breast height (DBM) categories -

• 150-400 mm (juvenile and adolescent trees)
• 401-600 mm (young mature trees)
• 601-800 mm (mature trees)
• 801-1200mm (old trees)
• 1201-1600 mm (very old trees)
• >1601 (veteran trees)

(28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.36)

About This Species

“Eucalyptus tereticornis, commonly known as forest red gum, blue gum or red irongum, is a species of tree that is native to eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. It has smooth bark, lance-shaped to curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven, nine or eleven, white flowers and hemispherical fruit.” Source: Wikipedia