Eucalyptus viminalis

This large Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) is located in the Stringybark Creek Historic Reserve, and is one of the biggest and best formed for its species in the region.

The site consists of swampy ground, ferns and speargrass along Stringybark Creek, rising to a timbered woodland of gum and blackwood. The area is on the traditional land of the Taungurung people and has a rich timber harvesting and mining history. Most of the larger old trees in the reserve are concentrated along the road, but some are also scattered through the landscape.

The reserve is known as the location where the Ned Kelly Gang shot and killed three policemen in October 1878, precipitating the events of the Kelly Outbreak and making the Gang the most wanted outlaws in Australia. The reserve is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register, though this tree sits outside the boundaries of the listing.

How is it significant?

This Manna Gum is significant for scientific reasons at the Regional level.

Why is it significant?

This Manna Gum is scientifically significant for its outstanding height and trunk circumference. It is the second tallest of its species in the Significant Tree Register. It is significant as remnant vegetation in an area heavily timbered in the late 19th century.

In 1878 a photographer named Burman took a photo showing the body of Police Sergeant Michael Kennedy at the base of a Manna Gum. The exact location of this tree has been subject to much debate. In 2019, Adrian Younger, Tony King and Jim Fogarty presented a research report to Heritage Victoria discussing what they believe to be the Kelly Tree, south of T12430. Members of the National Trust Significant Tree Committee have assessed the research report and the tree in question, and do not believe it is the Kelly Tree.

Kevin Tolhurst of the Significant Tree Committee believes the Kelly tree has likely died or been removed. However, this Manna Gum gives some present-day testimony to how the forest would have looked back in 1878, prior to timber harvesting.

Condition: Good

Tree Type: Individual

Circumference: 6.27m

Height: 44.8m

Canopy spread: 24.4m

Height method: Instrument

Circumference method: Tape Measure

Date of measurement: 10/06/2020

Age of tree: approximately 250-300 years

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Tree