Buds and nuts (fruits) of a Snow Gum, Eucalyptus pauciflora (W.Pix).
How to distinguish between a box from a gum? What are the key features of Mt Majura’s main eucalypts? Why grow some trees at a certain place? How do they cope with fire and drought?
Join ecologist Michael Doherty for an informative walk to learn about trees and shrubs of Mount Majura, and how to identify them.
We will follow fire trails, mainly on lower slopes (easy), and possibly up a slope (medium) to see Snow Gums.
When: Sunday, 30 June 2024, 2pm to 4pm
Where: Meet at the nature reserve entry off Mackenzie Street near Grayson Street, Hackett; view this map.
Bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes and wrap up warmly. Pocket guides are available for a gold coin donation.
Enquiries: secretary@majura.org
What’s the difference of the smooth barked Brittle gum and Scribbly gum? Michael gives hints at Tree walk in 2011 (W.Pix).
A Blakely’s Red Gum leaf infested by psyllids (W.Pix)
Leaves of Blakely’s Red Gum are often infested by sap sucking psyllids, tiny insects that produce a small white scallop-shaped protective shield called lerp. Heavy infestation results in the loss of the green photosynthesis pigment chlorophyll leaving behind the red pigment of the leaf; the brown colour indicates necrosis (death) of leaf tissue. Whole trees might be affected and loose their leaves, a phenomenon called die-back. But this is not the end! Blakely’s are amazingly resilient and will re-sprout when the growing conditions are good (from FoMM Flickr album Trees of Mount Majura).
Bark of a Scribbly Gum, Eucalyptus rossii with scribbles, some concealed under the smooth bark, some open with sharp edges (W.Pix).
Learn more about Eucalypts and Wattles
View photographs of some Trees of Mount Majura ; click on the photographs for descriptions. Share your own favorite tree photo and record it on Canberra Nature Map.
Scribbles with a Twist
Enjoy the floating bark of Scribbly Gum viewed through Louisa’s and Michael’s fractal lenses: FrangoCamera Scribbly Gum video
The video includes a voice-over to explain what you are looking at.
