Tree ID: 501 (Significant)

2 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): 1,250
Stems: 2 stems
Height (m): 24
Crown (m): 14
Structure: Typical
Habitat Features: Medium hollow
Tree Protection Zones (m): 15

Significant Species

This tree is listed as one of nineteen significant species in Victoria Park / Barrambin / Walan according to the “Targeted Ecological Assessment Report” of Victoria Park, prepared by 28 South Environmental Pty Ltd for Brisbane City Council (28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.42)

One of the Oldest Trees in the Parkland

With a diameter at breast height (DBM) of greater than 1,200, this tree is considered to be one of the oldest trees in Victoria Park. There are 34 trees in the parkland which are considered the oldest based on DBM measurement (28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.40).

Estimation of Tree Age (DBM Analysis) / One of the Oldest Trees in the Parkland

This tree is categorised as a “very 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)

This tree is considered to be one of the oldest trees in Victoria Park. There are 34 trees in the parkland which are considered the oldest based on DBM measurement (28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.40).

Pre-Clearing Vegetation

This tree is marked as a pre-clearing canopy species. This means that this tree is not believed to have been ‘planted’, but rather that it was likely present prior to the land being cleared. The term “pre-clearing vegetation” is often equated to trees which are dated to pre-1750 or pre-European settlement (28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.40).

Source: 28 South Environmental Pty Ltd p.41

Hollow Bearing Trees

This tree contains a medium hollow. 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)

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