#Gumtrees are my favourite large growing mass within the flora world.
They’re known as #eucalypts and csiro.com.au reports that there are 934 species of #eucalypt trees native to #Australia.
Gums typically grow to a height of 45 m (148 ft) but may sometimes only be a stunted shrub. Alternatively under ideal conditions, they can grow as tall as 90–100 m (300–330 ft).
IMO, they’re an emphatic statement of strength and resilience.
Gums can withstand prolonged drought conditions and still stand tall and present happy and healthy. Their trunks and branches are normally covered in a thin layer of white bark that sheds annually around this time of year (summer time).
Their leaves vary in size and shape, depending on the species.
My favourite are the shape as seen in these photos taken a couple of days ago near #Melbournes #Botanicgardens. They’re long (elongated), 10+cm (4+ inch) long and 1.5-2.0cm (3/4 inch) in width at their widest point.
Their leaves often possess a slight curved appearance, are usually deep dark green and clumped together, facing downward toward the ground, hanging from their branches.
This specific tree caught my eye. Its trunk is mottled with varying shades of whites, browns and greys. It is also pitted and indented along its entire length.
It really is a beauty
#urbanflora #flora #gardening #garden #melbourne #butterfly #aesthetichedonist #januaryjoy #gardeningAU #gardening #narrm #victoria #Australia #godmustbeabotanist #makesmehappy