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Grey Gum (with Nasutiterminae sp. shelter tubes)
Eucalyptus biturbinata
-27.7497, 152.09
Field Notes
Description:
Eucalyptus biturbinata, commonly known as "grey gum", is a eucalypt species native to New South Wales and Queensland in eastern Australia. This tree is a massive specimen and I was drawn to it, not only because of its size, but also for the way it shone in the late afternoon light. The things I usually look for on grey gums are termite tubes and claw marks from climbing goannas. This species of eucalypt is also an important food tree for koalas. Other species considered for this spotting were E. propinqua, E. canaliculata, and E. punctata. Grey gum is also a common name for several similar eucalypts - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_gum and this species is one of four related species of large-fruited grey gums.
Habitat:
Found at a highway rest stop. Fully-exposed to elements - sun, rain, wind, etc. Dry location, but prone to creek flooding during storms, and massive storms roll through SEQ. One thing I have noticed with most eucalypt species is that they seem to bear up during even the most severe storms. I have seen two very large grey gums in my local neighbourhood that have withstood 140+ kph winds, and they remained standing, whereas other tree species were decimated. Very strong with deep root systems, no doubt.
Notes:
Here's a little bit of info on the termite shelter tubes - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/328996173 With this current spotting, follow the tubes up into the upper branches towards the canopy. They are really extensive constructions.
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