details

Statement of Significance

This River Red Gum is significant for scientific, social and aesthetic reasons at State level. This tree is outstanding for its large size, with a trunk circumference of 14m, height of 38.5m and a canopy spread of 27.5m. It is an outstanding example of the species and makes a significant contribution to the landscape. This River Red Gum is believed to be of Aboriginal cultural significance.

History

This tree is currently listed as one of the largest known examples of the species in Australia. It is a native remnant growing in an area of much younger natural regeneration. The seasonal creek system on which it is located in zoned as being of Aboriginal heritage significance, but there is no specific listing/known artefacts associated with this tree.

The earliest reference to the "Morwell" property I can find is 1878. I assume that prior to this date the area was largely uncleared. The painting "Mount William from Mount Dryden" painted by Eugene Von Guerard in 1857 encompasses the area where the tree is located and depicts largely intact native vegetation.

Location

The tree is located on the edge of a seasonal wetland in the sw corner of our 150 ha property.

Other

This is a truly massive and imposing example of the species. A number of people have speculated that it may have been used as a birthing tree due to its very large hollow base - there is no hard evidence for this.
Ageing trees of this size is problematic. Available algorithms relating stem dimensions to age for the species give a value of >1,000 years. I do not believe the tree is that old but suspect it is at least 400 years old.

Notes

A pdf of the 30 largest river red gums can be found at the following link. The tree proposed for nomination is the second on the table.

http://www.nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au/listing/831.pdf