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LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net

The humble spotted gum is a world class urban tree. Here's why... (theconversation.com)

submitted 2 years ago by Treevan@aussie.zone to c/treehuggers@slrpnk.net

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cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/1641341

You may well have seen a spotted gum growing happily on an urban street.

Their wonderfully straight, light coloured and spotted trunks are impressive whether trees are planted singly, in avenues or in boulevards.

Old trees can get over 60m. During profuse flowering, anthers shed from a single tree can cover the ground, paths, homes, roads and vehicles in a white snow-like frosting.

In nature, the spotted gum and close relatives, the lemon scented gum and large leafed spotted gum grow along the east coast of Australia, from far eastern Victoria to southern Queensland.

It has the potential to be one of the great urban tree species, not just in Australia but internationally.

Horticulturalists have been working to make the tree even better suited to urban use.

Some varieties were uncommon or didn't exist 50 years ago, which means old urban trees might be more likely to shed limbs or have less attractive forms.

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[–] Treevan@aussie.zone 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Yeah, I think big trees/Eucs are worth it but what I mean is that the way they are placed into the urban landscape needs improvement. Park plantings as well. The risks should be managed, not only with inspection and tree management but with exclusion zones that not only passively protect people but actively improve the health of the tree.

The 3 species of Spotted are superficially similar, with Lemon Scented and C.maculata sometimes difficult to tell apart. Maybe C.citriodora being the northeastern species, even though it's naturalised all over, isn't 100% suited. C.maculata seeds should be easy to import. Possibly invasive though! Hoops wouldn't be too bad.

Since I am in an area with humid Summers and mild Winters, most of anything I suggest wouldn't be suitable. Plenty of outliers though, western Queensland too. You probably have Brachychiton populneus there?

[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 years ago

Your vision of better tree management sounds great, but having worked with my local municipalities I am skeptical it would be implemented.

Few trees are truly invasive here because of the extreme dryness during summer. But some do naturalize in riparian areas. I’m sure there are some maculatas somewhere in CA so I’ll observe them before introducing any.

We do have B. populneus and they do well here. Strange looking tree. I like the look of some of the other Brachychitons better but they’re rare in my area.