Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina

This Werribee Blue Box grows on the northern bank of the Werribee River in Hopetoun Park, along a green corridor to the south of residential housing. This area is part of the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. 

  

It is a two-trunked specimen with an unusual branch structure. There are a number of Werribee Blue Boxes along this section of the catchment, with at least four considered to be of Regional significance (T12431, T12432, T12433, T12442). There is also stand of State-significant Werribee Blue Boxes on the opposite side of the river to this tree (T12434). 

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

This tree is scientifically significant for outstanding age and 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 specimen is aesthetically significant for its unusual growth form, with twisted branches sprawling low to the ground and a bifurcated trunk, which is hollowed out from burning.  

Tree Measurements: 

 

Condition: Good 

Tree Type: Individual 

Circumference: 5.87m 

Height: 13.7m 

Canopy spread: 15m 

Height method: Instrument 

Circumference method: Tape Measure 

Date of measurement: 25/05/2010 

Age of tree: approximately 200+ years