mu! Posted December 11, 2006 On this farm that I have lived on for the duration of my 18 years, there has always been a significant landmark which can be seen from any point on said farm, and which never fails to bring about a feeling of awe and great respect. That landmark is this massive Eucalyptus camaldulensis, an estimated 500yo river redgum that has at some point in its long life toppled over, but being the go-getter it is, has continued to grow and its sight stuns many a viewer. This tree is fucking grouse yeah! It is also heritage listed, so no touchy touchy! Having said that though, it is really fun to climb. For perspective, the 2 posts in the foreground are about 4 feet high.. This tree is home to birds, bees, rabbits, hares, lizards, and no doubt many other species of inhabitants. At the end of the day, pictures are just pictures. To really get a grasp on the greatness of a tree like this, you have to experience it in the flesh. Any takers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twich Posted December 11, 2006 I'll take two please. What a specimen! Love the middle shot. Such beauty found in nature. You should plant a small forest of natives around it so it can feel like the king of something. Trees have feelings too you know. I'm wondering if it is actually the mallee form of growth rather than a toppeld trunk. As far as I know quite a few Eucalypts are mallees. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
noun Posted December 11, 2006 Beautiful tree. No need for it to be protected by heritage listing- in the second photo the rainbow serpent has it's head looking straight at the camera. Would love to see it in the bark. Thanks for sharing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wandjina Posted December 11, 2006 (edited) Wow, what an amazing tree!! I'd come and climb it with you if I could...but looks like you're some distance from Sydney. Any local legends regarding the tree? Sounds silly...but does, or has it ever, had a name? Edit: I'm reminded of the upside down tree that used to be next to the architecture buliding at UNSW. Pretty sure it was a Moreton Bay Fig...anyhoo, one night in a huge storm this massive tree was completely uprooted and 180degrees up ended- roots in the air, and branches on the ground. It was left there for some time, as it was quite stable in its new position (prolly more to do with expence of having it removed). Anyhoo, after a while the leaves died and everyone assumed it was dead....until it stared sprouting leaves from the its roots! After a year or so it was quite lush and green, and although it was eventually removed, grew there for a few years. The uni botanists etc were fascinated by the tree...if my memory serves me correctly, it was the first recorded instance of this sp of Ficus, or any very large tree, completely 'polarising'...no idea of botanical terminology. Unfortunately cannot locate any photos. Edited December 11, 2006 by wandjina Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sobriquet Posted December 11, 2006 It's almost certainly a toppled trunk. I don't know about 500 years but its definitely a centenerarian and probably a bit more than that even. You'd be surprised how big these get very quickly. I know from my school years that eucalypts planted just 40-50 years ago are pretty huge when I last saw them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mu! Posted December 12, 2006 I'm glad so many of you like what you see Its a pretty remarkable tree. I'll get a 'panoramic' shot in soon to show you all the surrounding area (there are a couple of eucalyptus friends around the biggun). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chief23 Posted December 14, 2006 (edited) I love it too, it is truly amazing. I agree, it needs more friends, the old fella looks lonely and out of place all on it's own there. Kinda like something you would see in an art gallery, like ken duncan. You should consider making your 'panoramic' photo a wall print. It will be great to tell the future generations about. Edited December 14, 2006 by chief23 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr b.caapi Posted December 14, 2006 After a year or so it was quite lush and green, and although it was eventually removed, grew there for a few years.The uni botanists etc were fascinated by the tree...if my memory serves me correctly, it was the first recorded instance of this sp of Ficus, or any very large tree, completely 'polarising'...no idea of botanical terminology. Unfortunately cannot locate any photos. WTF !!!! they removed it ???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
planthelper Posted December 15, 2006 wau this is beautyfull, no wonder pagans worshiped some trees!!! this reminds me of some red cedar trees which feel over with that last cyclon up the north end, they are left in the forrest as is, let's hope some of them reshoot. one very big one was estimaded to contain more than a million dollars worth of timber, expensive mulch, hey, hahaha. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mu! Posted December 15, 2006 Here's some more shots.. I thought this shot of the tree's growth medium would be significant, emphasizing the ruggedness of these trees (and other inhabitants of this dry, seemingly lifeless soil, namely mushrooms!).. Here are its friends.. Trees shouldnt grow that way! The real deal when it comes to a 'home among the gumtrees'.. A tangle of branches.. Thats all for now.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyAmine. Posted December 15, 2006 what an awsome climbing tree, so many branches, I but you have some great childhood memories of climbing that monster.. I bet it jst comes to life when tripping, smoking changa at sunset whilst sitting in its branches would surely make it dance.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Μορφέας Posted December 15, 2006 Thats every childs dream climbing tree, its awesome! I would watch the sunset thru its branches and smoke ganja if i could Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mu! Posted December 15, 2006 Childhood memory #1: jumping off a high branch, my body 'closing in' from such a high fall, and subsequently smashing my chin into my knees Fun times Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Μορφέας Posted December 15, 2006 Childhood memory #1: jumping off a high branch, my body 'closing in' from such a high fall, and subsequently smashing my chin into my knees Fun times lol nearly my first memory Jumping out of a lemon try with a broom stick in my mouth, thinking i would swing on it lol All i remember was pain after that, pain of not being able to eat pizza while everyone else did Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle. S Posted March 25, 2009 sorry just saw this post and i think it needs to be bumped. look at this tree! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Legba Posted March 25, 2009 Good on ya Uncle Staunch. I missed this last time. 500 years of tree memories. How precious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenny Posted March 26, 2009 What a Goliath! Those close up's on the tangled branches look like something out of a Tim Burton film. Thanks for sharing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MindExpansion Posted March 26, 2009 Woah man, that is a big fucking tree isn't it? Agreed on it being a perfect climbing tree lol. Looks gnarly with the twisted braches. Peace Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aya Posted March 26, 2009 That is one amazing tree indeed. A true picture of resilience, love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhoenixSon Posted March 27, 2009 good photography matey! one special tree. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FancyPants Posted April 1, 2009 1. That's an awesome tree! I was a little monkey-child when younger and would climb damn near anything. I'd have spent all day in that tree heheh 2. I keep seeing the title of this thread as "big foreskin tree" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amazinguberdog Posted April 22, 2009 fwoar. that thing is amazing! I love how the branches from after it fell have merged into the branches from BEFORE it fell...if that makes sense. I'd put a hammock under it and hammock it up! Wonder if anyone saw/heard it fall, all the way back then. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immanuel Posted April 23, 2009 wow. no words can describe, nature never ceases to amaze me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
