National Eucalypt Day
Salmon Gums, Eucalyptus salubris, Great Western Woodlands WA (credit: WA Wildflower Society)
It may not receive the recognition it deserves elsewhere but National Eucalypt Day is a special day in Australia. With the exception of 9 species, 800+ Eucalypts (Eucalyptus, Corymbia, and Angophera), the Gum Trees are virtually all endemic to the vast continent. They can range in size from towering giants like the Swamp Gum (E. regnans) similar in scale to California's well known redwoods; to the primary timberline species the Snow Gum (E. pauciflora) in the Snowy Ranges of New South Wales; to low forms that spread over the ground like the rare Pepperment Gum (E. risdonii) of Tasmania. Eucalypts are used for construction timber, as fine hardwoods for furniture, in essential oils and medicines, for watershed protection, and as critical wildlife habitat.
Snow Gums, Snowy Ranges, NSW (credits: SWP Media) & Black Cockatoos Eucalyptus Habitat
Events for National Eucalypt Day have been organized across Australia including lectures, reforestation projects, wildlife conservation, and plant sales at arboretums for use in sustainable landscaping designs. Conservation organizations in Australia such as Remember the Wild and Greening Australia are offer programs on their ecology, conservation, reforestation, and beauty. Each year a contest is held to select Eucalypt of the Year which was announced as Western Australia's Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salubris)
A Brisbane high school senior produced a video about the role Eucalypts have played in Australia's history and environment as his senior's graduation protect.
A curator at Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens at Cranbourne offers an educational perspective on these trees well represented at their planted demonstration gardens and adjacent natural bushland.
For trees as diverse and important as the Eucalypts, they well deserve their own day of recognition. WHB