Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina

This Werribee Blue Box grows on the southern bank of the Werribee River in Parwan. This area is part of the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. There is a stand of Werribee Blue Boxes approximately 350m west of this tree (T12434), along with a number of specimens on the northern bank of this section of the catchment, with at least 3 considered to be of Regional significance (T12431, T12432, T12433). 

 

This Werribee Blue Box is significant for scientific and aesthetic reasons at the Regional level. 

This tree is scientifically significant for rarity, and as an important source of seed. 

 

The Werribee Blue Box was first identified as a morphologically distinct subspecies of Eucalyptus baueriana in 2011, and is classified as endangered in Victoria. Its distribution is restricted to the Werribee River catchment around Bacchus Marsh and downstream, growing close to watercourses and drainage lines in alluvial soils. The Werribee Blue Box population is estimated to be only a few thousand, most of which occur in the northern part of the distribution along the Coidamai and Djerriwahrr Creeks, which flow through Lake Merrimu Reservoir Reserve and Long Forest Flora Reserve. 

 

This is tree is aesthetically significant as an outstanding specimen with a curious growth form. Its extremely large, gnarled trunk runs almost horizontally to the ground, and the base is hollowed out. Stones are stacked to one side to create a small shelter. A break in the trunk occurred in 2009. 

Tree Measurements: 
Condition: Good 

Tree Type: Individual 

Circumference: 5.55m 

 Height: 13.7m 

Canopy Spread: 14m 

Height method: Instrument 

Circumference method: Tape Measure 

Date of measurement: 05/04/2020 

Age of tree: Approximately 200 + years