Trees

Protected and notable trees

Tree Profiles

Australians at large in the Botanic Gardens

The Eucalyptus delegatensis (alpine ash) tree located in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens has delighted visitors for many years. No one is quite sure about its age but it is thought that it was planted in 1885 or thereabouts. The massive tree has a real presence and dominates the area near the alpine gardens.

Once known as Eucalyptus gigantea, the alpine or mountain ash is one of the tallest members of the Eucalyptus family and in its native state grows in the mountains of Tasmania and in the Australian Alps between Melbourne and Canberra.

This particular specimen is a giant. One could easily surmise that it gave rise to the Australian phrase “up a gum tree”. Whatever the supposition, Eucalyptus delgatensis is the tallest growing Eucalyptus in New Zealand. It can tower to over 40 metres. Unlike most Eucalypts, the alpine ash is frost hardy and can endure temperatures of minus 12 to 14 centigrade. The timber bears a slight resemblance to pale-coloured European ash, hence its common name. A hard wood, it is easy to work and stain but difficulties have been experienced here with drying and seasoning as the timber has a tendency to split. The timber is still used in pulp production.

Vital statistics:

Height: 30 m
Width: 30 m
Trunk diameter: 3.22 m