I love trees. Some are especially precious to me. Like this one. The Department of Planning and Infrastructure says it is a Corymbia Maculata (Spotted Gum). I have tried dyeing with Corymbia Maculata. As a dye plant, it’s not spectacular: my samples are tan, tan and tan. Dye potential isn’t the only or even the main value in a lovely tree from my point of view, but just one of its potential fine qualities.
We failed to save it by objecting to its removal. A local creek is going to be put into a pipe so big a car would fit into it as part of major infrastructure works, and this tree is standing in the path that pipe is going to take beside the railway.
The Minister approved its removal, and his decision is not appealable. That fence along the railway stands where over 10 much smaller, but still appreciated, trees used to stand beside the spotted gum. Since their removal I hear there are six possums fighting in the nearest neighbours’ yard at night instead of just one. We have been given several different dates on which the Corymbia Maculata will be felled, and prepared ourselves for the day each time. It has been fenced off because tomorrow is the day. 9.30 am is the time. My nearest and dearest is staying with a friend tonight so as not to be here when it happens. The people who will be felling it will start to arrive at 7 am. It will be a big job. The chainsaws will be going all day long, if indeed they can do it in a day.
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This tree must be decades old. The whole neighbourhood will be different without it. The flocks of native birds who have visited it when in bloom every year will no longer stop by. Under government policy, in our hearts and those of lots of our neighbours, it is a Significant Tree.
Local & Bespoke 
I’m sorry.
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Thanks so much!
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Hi
I started visiting your blog a couple of months ago and found it so interesting I thought I’d read it from the beginning. After a while I realised that I live near some of the places and trees you write about. And then I came across this post and I had to make contact. You see, I think we are now the custodians of this tree. After it was cut down, through a series of events I’m happy to share with you if you’d like, my partner was given the tree by the Unley Council. His intention is to use it in some form of sculptural or building work. It is now sitting on my block at the Aldinga Arts Eco Village and if you like we can let you know what happens to it as it is transformed.
Cheers
Susan
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Dear Susan, thanks for your generous comments about the blog… And how amazing to hear that you’re the custodians of that tree! To add to the wonder of it all, we’re in Port Willunga right now… I rode my trusty bike past the eco village yesterday. I am also glad to hear that extraordinary trunk has ended up with someone who can use it. I’ll be sure to let the neighbour who intervened to make sure it wasn’t just turned into chips know. I’d be delighted to hear more of the story as it unfolds! Mary
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