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Project Noah Nature School
Eucalyptus siderophloia
Eucalyptus siderophloia, the "northern grey ironbark", is an endemic eucalypt species of south-eastern Australia, and a member of the family Myrtaceae. Instead of being shed annually as is the case with many other species of Eucalyptus, the dead bark of the ironbark accumulates on the trees, forming deep fissures. It becomes rough after drying out and becomes impregnated with 'kino', a dark red tree sap exuded by the tree (see 5th photo). The bark is resistant to fire and heat and protects the living tissue within the trunk and branches from fire. In cases of extreme fire, where leaves and shoots are removed, the protective bark aids in protecting epicormic buds which allows the tree to reshoot. The tree can grow to a height of 45 mtrs. This particular spotting was very large and old tree. The base had actually been burnt out, no doubt by many fires, and the tree would be hollow for a good distance up the length of its trunk. The last photo shows a nearby stand of my younger ironbark trees.
Toohey Forest is a remnant eucalyptus woodland reserve of approximately 655 hectares. The forest is situated within an urban area on the south side of Brisbane, within the city limits. This species of Ironbark occurs in NSW and QLD.
Nice to see the trees in this forest with fresh green leaves. A stark contrast to the thin, dry foliage caused by years of drought.
Spotted on Feb 16, 2020
Submitted on Feb 18, 2020
2 Comments
Yeah, makes a huge difference. I see an ironbark regularly in Brisbane which has a totally black trunk, it is that impregnated with kino, and it looks so impressive! I like these trees too, and they are always so varied and interesting.
Amazing what a bit of moisture does. I like these trees.