Gum Trees: Bane and Glory.

Summary

The article discusses the dual nature of Australian gum trees, highlighting their beauty and ecological significance while also addressing their role in exacerbating bushfires and the challenges they pose in fire-prone environments.

Abstract

Australian gum trees, known for their sticky gum exudate, are a dominant feature of the landscape, with over 700 species shaping the country's ecosystems. These trees have adapted to survive and thrive in the face of fires, with mechanisms such as heat-resistant bark, insulated seed capsules, and the ability to quickly resprout after a blaze. While their essential oils contribute to the iconic blue haze over the Blue Mountains and evoke nostalgic memories for many Australians, these oils also increase the flammability of the trees, posing significant fire risks, especially in densely planted areas outside Australia. The article reflects on the impact of climate change on the intensity of bushfires and suggests community-led controlled burns as a management strategy. It concludes with a personal note from the author, who cherishes the beauty of gum trees and advocates for their responsible cultivation.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the evolutionary advantages of eucalypts, such as their ability to rapidly regenerate after fires and their role in shaping the Australian landscape.
There is a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the aesthetic and olfactory contributions of gum trees to the Australian environment and culture.
The author expresses concern over the increased risk of devastating forest fires due to the fast-growing and highly flammable nature of eucalypts, especially when grown in plantations.
The article suggests that climate change has exacerbated fire conditions, leading to more intense and uncontrollable bushfires.
There is an opinion that traditional hazard reduction burns have decreased, potentially due to cost and public resistance, which may contribute to the severity of wildfires.
The author promotes the idea of community management in the form of controlled burns to mitigate fire risks while still enjoying the beauty of gum trees.
A personal connection to gum trees is evident, as the author describes raising them from seeds and the joy they bring.

Australian gum trees glorious and yet dangerous in fires.

Gum trees so called because they exude copious and sticky gum (kino) from breaks in their bark, Generally gum trees referred to as “eucalypts”.

Eucalypts from fire-prone habitats adapted to withstand fire, Seeds held in insulated capsule called gumnut, Opens only after bushfire, Once cooled land becomes freshly fertilised seed bed.

Eucalyptus oil in gum tree leaves evaporates and makes fire more damaging to other species, Giving evolutionary advantage to eucalypts.

Epicormic buds under thick bark ready to quickly sprout new stems and leaves after fire.

700+ eucalypt species dominate landscapes all over Australia, Grew up with Gums, Local park specimen trees, Family trips to blue mountains, During summer’s heat gum’s eucalyptus oil evaporates creating blue haze, Smell of gums bring fond reminders of childhood picnics.

Eucalypts grown in plantations outside Australia because they’re fast growing having valuable timber pulpwood and essential oils, These highly flammable trees often close planted creating issues around managing bark shedding and dropping limbs Increases danger of devastating forest fires.

Ironbark in my Local forest.

Ironbarks don’t shed shed bark annually, Dead bark accumulates on tree forming fissures, Becomes rough after drying out and resembles iron slag, Glorious contrasts with Spotted and Blue gums in my little forrest.

Bark resistant to fire and heat protects living tissue within trunk and branches, Extreme fire removes leaves and shoots, But protected buds quickly reshoot.

Ironbark very dense hard wood ideal for demanding conditions, Protect ships from shipworms, Bridge and wharf piles, Long lasting railway sleepers.

Thoughts.

Growing up Aus had bushfires but not disastrous fires like those of 2019/20.

Now climate change, Higher more intense rain, Higher summer temperatures, Decrease in hazard reduction burns due to cost and smoke complaints, Create ideal conditions for uncontrollable fires, Back to basics, Community management controlled burns.

Have 12 little flowering gums Plant them as single tree specimens, Enabling easy management and ensuring enjoyment of Australian bush.

I’m blessed with 12 little gum trees, raised from seed in my LED Garden. Picture by John Rose.

Blessed be.

Gum Trees: Bane and Glory.

Australian gum trees glorious and yet dangerous in fires.

Ironbark in my Local forest.

Gum Trees in California.

Thoughts.