details

Statement of Significance

This tree is significant as it is a mature example of the species with large physical dimensions in comparison to other trees of the same species under cultivation in Victoria. The tree is currently in good health and has a major presence within the landscape of Australian Catholic University’s Mair Street campus.

Large and mature Tilia x eurpaea are seldom seen under cultivation in Victoria as a result of its sensitivities to exposure, heat and extended periods of soil aridity, all of which are prevalent in many areas of Victoria, especially over the warmer months. The tree is also 1 component of the historic Carn Brea homestead which still exists on the property and was built in 1881. A number of trees from this era are still on the property, two which have previously been included on the National Trust Register of Significant Trees.

History

This large and mature Tilia x eurpoea sits as one of the centre pieces of the historic Carn Brae homestead garden and which is now the Ballarat campus of Australian Catholic University. The tree is approximately 134 years of age making it of Victorian period origin, and which also makes it of similar age to other large and mature trees within the garden such as the two National Trust registered trees of Quercus robur (English Oak) and Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Field Elm). Other notable trees in this garden include a very large Abies pinsapo (Spanish Fir), Ulmus x hollandica (Dutch Elm), Cedrus deodara (Himalayan Cedar) and Magnolia grandiflora (Bull Bay).

Location

The tree is located in the front setback of the garden at Australian Catholic University’s Mair Street campus in Ballarat.