Weeping Tea-tree (with crackling bark)

Description:

My first encounter with this amazing species of native shrub, a Leptospermum sp. tea-tree of the family Myrtaceae. It's bark popped and crackled loudly as it peeled away from the trunk and branches, and it was very audible, particularly in such a quiet bushland setting. The muffled popping was akin to popping corn, although not as loud or frequent. Pale, smooth, grey and orange and pinkish-coloured bark was peeling away in large sections. Small leaves about 5 cms in length, waxy to touch but also quite soft. Some of the shrubs were growing upwards of 4-5 metres in height. Although I explored much of the surrounding area, these shrubs were only found along this one permanent creek, albeit a trickling one at the time. They were abundant and appeared to be healthy. Some info I found online about trees making noise - https://www.realclearscience.com/article... NB: There are 15 species of Leptospermum documented in Girraween National Park, not far from this location. I showed a friend this spotting and he said it was most likely to be Leptospermum brachyandrum, simply from the appearance of the leaves, bark, and habit of the shrub, as well as its location. That's a good start. http://www.rymich.com/girraween/index.ph... However, I am unable to find any reference anywhere about any species of Leptospermum that has noisy, popping and crackling bark.

Habitat:

Permanent creek course which flows into the Severn River, Ballandean. Fresh water creek with abundant native grass for ground cover. Moist, fertile soils. Full expose to sunlight. Native vegetation in mixed bushland and rural landscape.

Notes:

Last photo shows a large eastern grey kangaroo, and it's a male. Although maintaining a respectable distance, he was keeping a watchful eye on me, definitely being protective of the mob, but maybe concerned I was also intruding upon their lair. This is a well-sheltered and protected area on all sides, and the roos sleep amongst the long grass at night (6th photo). Needless to say, I was keeping a watchful eye on him too. No one wants to tangle with a large male roo!