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Eucalyptus microcarpa

Other Names Grey Box ,  Prisoner Tree Location Goldsmith Crescent,, CASTLEMAINE VIC 3450 - Property No T11469 File Number T11469 Level Regional

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Statement of Significance

Important landmark.
Outstanding size
Historical value

Known locally as the 'Prisoner Tree', the tree is believed to have been used by police in the 1850s as a 'standby jail'. Prisoners were attached to a heavy chain around the trunk when the nearby log jail was full. The old courthouse from that period stands adjacent on the eastern side of the road
Eucalyptus microcarpa is a spreading tree which has fibrous grey bark on the trunk and lower branches, but has smooth, grey-brown bark on its upper branches The cream coloured flowers appear from late summer to winter. The species occurs inland from the Great Dividing Range and is found in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The tree is located on the western side of the road reserve and has been lopped on one side.

Original Measurements: 12/12/1990
Spread (m): 16.2
Girth (m): 5.78
Height (m): 22
Estimated Age (yrs): 200
Condition: Fair

Measurements: 27/05/2004
Spread (m): E-W 15; N-S 25
Girth (m): 6.5
Height (m): 22
Estimated Age (yrs): 214
Condition: Fair

Measurements: 23/08/2010
Spread (m): e-W 15; N-S 18
Girth (m): 7
Height (m): 24
Condition: Good

Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 14/02/1991