Yarra Gum is a small to medium sized woodland tree endemic to southcentral Victoria. It is a lesser known member of the Swamp Gum Group and is considered rare with restricted populations occurring throughout its range.

Origin

South-central Victoria, Australia

Habit

Small to medium-sized tree, often with multiple trunks and usually a spreading crown. 10-15m high x 10-15m wide.

Description

Closely related to E. ovata but much less common, it has grey-brown to brown bark which is rough and persistent on trunk and larger branches. Conical to diamond shaped buds occur on pedicels in groups of seven with fruits having the obconical shape characteristic of the group. Adult leaves are elliptic-broad lanceolate, 6-10cm long x 2-3cm wide, glossy green with undulate margins.

Tolerances

Naturally occurs on poorly drained soils and withstands periods of inundation. Tolerance of drier sites is not known. Does not appear to be seriously affected by specific pests or disease and this may be partially due to the cyanogenic compounds (prunasin) contained in the foliage.

Root space

68m3 (crown projection method, based on estimated 12m canopy spread).

Availability

Uncommon but available through specialist indigenous plant nurseries.

Uses & management

Potentially reaching a height of 15-20m and a width of 15m, it is usually much smaller with some authors stipulating a height range of 6 -12m. Yarra Gum is adapted to lower lying areas and is suitable for planting in situations with impeded drainage. Given its moderate size and tolerance to low soil oxygen this tree may also suit compacted urban soils if adequate moisture available.

Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2011
Nicolle, D (2006) Eucalypts of Victoria and Tasmania. Bloomings Books Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
Brooker,M. & Kleinig,D. (2006) Field Guide To Eucalypts Volume 1, South-eastern, 3rd Ed. Australia. Bloomings Books, Melbourne.
Gleadow, R. et. al. (2008) Frequency and distribution of cyanogenic glycosides in Eucalyptus, Phytochemistry 69 (2008) 1870–1874.
Accessed at; www.biolsci.monash.edu.au/staff/gleadow/docs/conn-2008-euc-cg.pdf.

Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
It is a deciduous tree with a wide spreading domed canopy and lush green foliage, it is also resistant to pest and disease, has drought tolerance and looks great in the street.

Origin
A lowland tree from the north-central and northeastern regions of North America. Habitats and vegetation associations can vary however, generally found on hydromorphic soils. Annual rainfall can also vary from 640mm to 1270mm. Temperatures can also vary from -34 to 41 degrees celsius.
Habit
Medium sized deciduous tree. Wide spreading, broad domed canopy. Moderate to fast growth rate, mature size ranges between 20-25m high x 15-25m wide.
Description
Leaves simple, large, dark-green glossy above, paler, generally glaucous below, with 5-7 shallow lobes on each margin. Foliage turns yellow-brown, sometime reddish in autumn. Bark a grey and furrowed with age. Acorns 2-3 (similar to English Oak) on long stalk; not known as a litter drop problem.
Tolerances
Adapts to most soils; not alkaline (pH >5.9). High waterlogging (can withstand periods of inundation) and low oxygen tolerance. Tree can withstand periods of drought. Not seriously affected by pest or disease.
Root space
Based on mature size, the tree would require approximately 315 to 490m2 area or 190 to 295m3 root volume (crown projection method).
Availability
Uncommon.
Uses & management
Urban landscapes, parks and streets. Long-lived, moderate sized tree with ornamental characteristics and good tolerances suggest that this oak should be more widely used in urban landscapes. Easy to transplant. Low litter problem.

Swamp White Oak Bark detail

Ref:

Spencer, R., (1997), Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia, University of New South Wales Press LTD, Australia.
USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (2010) ‘Swamp Wite Oak’ Available at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/bicolor.htm
Urban Forestry Department. The Ohio State University. Shade Trees and Biodiversity in the Urban Environment. (2010) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Available at: http://shade-trees.tripod.com/families/selections/swamp_white_oak.html

Click to download Quercus bicolor Factsheet

This palm is primarily grown for its ornamental characteristics, mainly due to its attractive, silver-blue colored, fan-shaped leaves. This distinctive palm makes an extraordinary accent plant and can be used as a focal point. The arching flower panicles of the blue hesper palm are one of the most beautiful among all the palms. A small to moderate-sized palm that is easy to grow.
Good drought and cold tolerance.

Origin:

Mexico, Baja California

Habit:

Palm. Solitary stem and rounded crown of leaves.

Description:

Slow growing, small to medium sized palm; 12 to 15 metres in height with the crown being approximately 5 metres wide. Single, grey trunk holding a rounded crown of stiff, silvery-blue fan shaped leaves.
Arching panicles of flowers extend beyond the leaves; white flowers followed by dark-brown fruit.

Tolerances:

Grows in full sun and part-shade positions; tolerant of light frost. Desert palm with high tolerance of drought, but would benefit from occasional irrigation during extended dry periods. Also grows well in alkaline soils. Moderately tolerant of salty soils.

Availability:

Unknown. Presume rare. Propagated from seed.

Uses & management:

Urban landscapes, parks and streets. No major pest or disease concerns. Ornamental characteristics and tolerances suggest that this palm should be more widely used in urban landscapes. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; can be difficult to transplant. The petioles are covered in spines. This palm is best planted away from foot paths or walkways

Photo © Philip Greenwood

Bibliography:

Floridata 2010 Brahea armata. updated 18/1/04. Available at: http://www.floridata.com/ref/b/brah_arm.cfm [Accessed, 18/8/10).
Spencer, R. 2005. Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia Volume 5: flowering plants. Monocotyledons. University of New South Wales Press.
Download the Blue Hesper Palm fact sheet

Searsia pendulina (White Karee)
A tree from the Anacardiaceae family (Cashew, mango, pistachio, sumac) with many positive attributes suitable for planting in urban landscapes.

A moderate-sized evergreen tree with a semipendulous, willow-like form. Good drought and wind tolerance. Fast growth rate. No significant litter drop.

Origin:

South Africa. In a narrow strip that follows the Orange River.

Habit:

Broad-domed tree with drooping branchlets. 9 metres in height with a similar or wider crown width.

Description:

Multiple leaders with smooth to flaky bark. The leaves are trifoliate with lightgreen, narrowly lanceolate leaflets. Panicles of small green flowers appear in spring/summer followed by small reddish to black berries.

Tolerances:

Grow in full sun position; tolerant of light frost. Fast growing. High tolerance of drought and wind. Tolerant of periodic water-logging.

Availability:

Unknown. Presume rare. Easily propagated from seed and cuttings.

Uses & Management:

Urban landscapes, including streets. This willow-like small to medium sized tree is ideal for small gardens due to its quick growth, non-invasive root system, and tidy and easy to maintain habit. No major pest or disease concerns. Wood has reputation for toughness and durability.

Click to download White Karee factsheet

Why is English Elm tree of the season?

The English Elm provides a historical link with Europe and is an integral part of the aging canopy tree population of Melbourne. The loss of these aging specimens as they enter decline spirals will change the look of the older streets and parks of Melbourne. People love this species and will mourn their loss; and unless we proactively keep this tree at the forefront of people’s minds when making decisions in regards to appropriate species selection for the replacement plantings that will inevitably be required in the near future; the famous Elms of Melbourne may all but disappear.

What do I like about English Elms?

I love the stately nature of maturing specimens; the large broad green canopies that provide excellent summer shade; and the intricate silhouette of branches throughout late autumn and winter.
I love that shade of iridescent green exhibited by the new flushes of growth in spring and the yellow glow of the leaves at the peak of their autumn brilliance.

Case for a prize for English Elm

Victoria has some of the finest examples of English Elm in the world.
The high quality of English Elms in Victoria is predominantly due to the lack of Dutch elm disease, which has impacted the European populations.

Quercus macrolepis (Valonia Oak)

This Oak has many synonyms with a name change from Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis (Kotschy.)  The acorn caps (valonea) are high in tannins and are used in the tanning of leather.

Origin:

Italy, Balkans, Turkey

Habit:

Medium wide-spreading tree.  Broad domed graceful canopy.  Moderate growth rate, mature size ranges between10-15m high x 12-18m wide.

Description:

Buds large and hairy.  Young shoots with dense white/yellow down. Leaves ovate, angular, bristle-tipped mostly 5-8cm long, 2-4cm wide with dense white/yellow above and below at first and then persistent below.  Bark a light grey and flacking with shallow fissures when young becoming furrowed with age.  Acorns hairy and almost completely enclosed by the extremely large hairy cup with long spreading scale around the lip.

Tolerances:

Not well known but appears able to adapt to most soils. Moderate waterlogging and drought tolerance.  Does not appear seriously affected by pest or disease.  Intolerant of coastal exposure.

Root space:

Based on mature size tree would require approximately 140m2 area or 85m3 root volume (crown projection method)

Availability:

Uncommon.

Ref: Spencer, R (Ed) (1997) Horticultural Flora of South-Eastern Australia – Part 1. University of NSW Press

Click here to download the pdf factsheet

Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) Ashburton MCH Corner of High St & Highgate Grove Ashburton

Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)

Moderate to long lived species, developing as an attractive shade tree with showy autumn foliage and attractive bark.

Origin:

East Asia, Japan, Korea.

Habit:

Moderate to fast growing medium to large deciduous tree typically developing a short single trunk with ascending branches forming an ovoid to rounded canopy.  In its natural environment the species can attain heights of up to 30m. In southern Australia mature dimension of about 18-25m in height x 15-18m width can be expected.

Description:

Leaves, bright to dark green, oblong – ovate with a serrated margin, to 12cm long.  Autumn leaf colours range from yellow, coppery-bronze to red.  Flowers and fruit are inconspicuous, occurring spring.  Bark is Smooth grey, exfoliating in patches to reveal orange, brown & pink.

Tolerances:

Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.  Will tolerate most soil types and varying pH levels. Tolerates heat and strong winds. Moderately drought tolerant, though intolerant of ?waterlogged soils

Root space:

Based on 75% of mature size tree would require approximately 143m2 area or 86m3 root volume (crown projection method).

Availability:

Commonly available.

Uses & management:

Adaptable to urban environments.  Moderate to long lived species, developing as an attractive shade tree with showy autumn foliage and attractive bark. Transplants easily.  Crowding of branches forming acute angled branch attachments can develop atop the trunk and when  this occurs requires formative pruning to develop good branch structure.  Generally free of any serious pests or diseases.  Several distinctive cultivars have been developed including ‘Green Vase’ developing as a tall, tree with vase shaped canopy that is available in AustraliaAfter the devastating bush fires this beauty from Queensland is our featured tree because of its fire retardant properties.

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Queensland Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus).
Medium sized evergreen native tree. Useful in urban sites where adaptable species is required. Fire retardant. Moderate – Long lived.  Free of pest and disease. Rarely requires formative pruning. Commonly available.

Origin

Coastal forest edges from northern New South Wales to North Queensland.

Habitat:

Moderate to fast growing medium sized evergreen tree typically developing a single trunk and rounded to pyramidal canopy,  In its natural environment the species can attain heights of up to 40m.  In southern Australia   mature dimension of about 10-15 m in height  x 6-12 m width can be expected.

Description:

Leaves thick, ovate, dark green and glossy. above, paler beneath,to 15cm long.  Flowers white, occurring in three’s, generally inconspicuous in southern Australia.  Fruit a woody bell shaped capsule to 1cm.  Bark smooth, sometimes lustrous, beige coloured, seasonally peeling in flakes revealing  coppery orange to brown tones.

Tolerances:

Tolerates a wide range of soils growing best in a  soil pH of  between 4-6.  Moderately tolerant of drought, frosts, aerial slat spray and air pollution.

Root space:

Based on 75% of mature size tree would require approximately 254m2 area or 152m3 root volume (crown projection method).

Availability:

Commonly available.

Uses & management:

Moderate to long lived species.  Requires irrigation to establish.  Transplants easily.  Rarely requires formative pruning to develop good branch structure.   Responds well to pruning.  Fire retardant.  Generally free of any serious pests or diseases.  Flowers attract bees.  Produces a woody fruit capsule that can create trip hazard on hard surfaces.  Leaf litter slow to break down.  Good street tree or modest sized specimen tree for parks.

Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2009

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Western coolibah, Smooth-barked coolibah (Eucalyptus victrix)
A small to medium tree that is relatively untried in urban landscapes.  It’s striking smooth white trunk and high tolerance of drought and heat suggest a tree of enormous potential for urban landscapes.

Specimen of Western coolibah growing in garden bed at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth.
Photograph: Jeremy Thomas. Arborist, Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority.

Origin

Western Australia and Central Australia, from Murchison River to Port Hedland and east into central Northern Territory.  Usually found on flood plains and low lying areas of red clay or clay loam.

Habitat:

Small to medium evergreen tree with a spreading form on a single trunk.  A mature height of about 5-15 m  x 5-10 m wide.

Description:

Dull light green to grey-green lanceolate foliage. Terminally held peduncles in groups of 7 with conical to rounded operculum.  Flowers creamy white, Nov–Mar.  Bark smooth throughout, white and powdery.

Tolerances:

Tolerates heavier soils and temporary inundation.  High tolerance of drought.  Generally free of any serious pests or diseases.

Root space:

Based on 75% of mature size tree would require approximately 98.5m2 area or 59m3 root volume (crown projection method).

Availability:

Uncommon in cultivation.  Seed available.

Uses & management:

Potential for use as a small specimen tree suited to dry conditions.  The startling smooth white trunk would highlight any garden.  Resistant to major pests.
Potential as street and open space tree.  ANPSA (2009) state that a dwarf form of Western coolibah can be found on the floodplains around the Murchison River and has potential for a small feature tree.  The tree grows readily from seed.

Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2009
Ref:
Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) – ANPSA (2009) Eucalyptus victrix. Available at  http://asgap.org.au/e-vic.html  [Accessed 11/2/09]
EUCLID – Eucalypts of Australia. Third Edition 2006, CD-ROM, Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research in assoc. with CSIRO Publishing
Click to download printable pdf