details

Statement of Significance

The tree is of scientific significance. Seeds from this important source have been collected for propagation by local horticulturists. It is outstanding as an excellent example of a well-formed Queensland bottle tree.

The tree is of social significance for its landscape and landmark values in a prominent position at the intersection of two major roads. The tree has contemporary association with the community through its history and park location.

The tree is of historic significance as it is an integral part of the historic park in the centre of Hivesville, providing a link to the town of the twentieth century. The tree commemorates Robert Smith, a local famer and prominent member of the Hivesville and Wondai communities who met his death in a level crossing accident on 1 October 1929. It also is associated indirectly with the construction of the Church of England at Hivesville.

With its well-developed bottle-shaped trunk and spreading foliage, it is a fine example of the Queensland Bottle Tree. It is a better than an average example of its species, or a tree in its location. There are few, if any, other examples in the South Burnett of such a fine specimen of a Queensland bottle tree in such a prominent position in a readily accessible public park.

History

This memorial tree was planted in 1932 by the Hivesville community as a memorial to Robert Smith, a respected local farmer who was killed in a level crossing accident nearby on 1 October 1929. It was planted by the family of Robert Smith who, as donors, were associated with the construction of the Church of England in Hivesville about the same time the tree was planted.

Location

At the date of measurement in January 2019, this tree had a height of 12 metres, a circumference of 6.6 metres and a canopy measuring 12 metres by 12 metres.

The tree is located in the north eastern corner of the park across the road from the Hivesville Hotel.