Tree of the Month | Eucalyptus Major

Common name: Grey Gum

Botanical name: Eucalyptus Major

Type: Singular tree

Location: Canning Reserve Lookout, Avondale Heights

Circumference: 10 meters

Canopy width: 32 meters x 28 meters

Welcome to the November tree of the month!

Did you know that one of our most loved local trees is actually an imposter from the north? The Eucalyptus Major Grey Gum might be commonplace in Queensland (where they’re even called the Queensland Grey Gum!), but there is only one of its kind in Victoria, and we’re lucky to have it in Canning Reserve.

Standing proudly in Canning Reserve, Avondale Heights, this magnificent tree is believed to be well over 100 years of age. Its presence in the landscape is hard to miss with an impressive trunk that measures 10 metres in circumference.

According to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, there are only 358 records of this species worldwide. The earliest preserved record of this specimen is held by the National Herbarium of Victoria in the Royal Botanic Gardens, dating back to 1843. This citation lists this species as “Near Threatened”, highlighting the trees importance to conservation efforts.

The Grey Gum is currently being considered for the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees with a decision expected to be made in December. It has been nominated for its Outstanding Size and Landscape Location and is recognised as having the widest canopy and girth recorded for a Grey Gum in its category.

The distribution map below shows how prominent the tree is in parts of Queensland and New South Wales and showing only one example in New Zealand and one in Victoria which happens to be in our own Canning Street Reserve!

This Grey Gum is a beautiful example of its species, for almost 100 years, passers-by have enjoyed its leafy company. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is well worth a visit to Canning Reserve in Avondale Heights!