by Lachlan Turner

The name scribbly gum refers to a number of eucalypts . The main owner of the name scribbly gum ( eucalyptus haemastoma ) is the best known example in our Hills District bushland . This tree is not very tall with a number of short trunks growing from a single root system , similar to the group of eucalypts know as mallee . It is characterised by the wriggly lines that appear on the bark .

These wandering lines are where an insect has burrowed just under the surface of the bark , finding a source of food in or under this top layer , leaving the characteristic wriggly trail on the surface .

The pale colour of the bark makes this tree stand out against the dull green colour of the adjacent heathland in which it often grows .

A closely related variety known as the hard-leaved scribbly gum ( eucalyptus sclerophylla ), exhibits similar bark colouration and typical scribbles . However , it prefers a habitat with open woodland and forest , surviving on shallow to deep sandy soils . This more erect medium sized tree can grow up to 20 metres high .

Yet another similar variety found in the general region is the narrow-leafed scribbly gum ( eucalyptus racemosa ). This can grow to much larger proportions , is less misshapen and more erect when compared to the other two above .

As its name implies , its leaves are much narrower than the others . This tree can survive quite well in poorer but moist sandstone soils .

The obvious infestation of insects does not appear to be detrimental to the welfare of the tree .

50 years of married ‘ bliss ’. Then one simple request for divorce sends a closeknit family into chaos . Nancy and Bill have settled into their retired lifestyle at Grand Horizons . One evening , after dinner , Nancy asks for a divorce . Bill agrees , unfazed .

Their decision sends shockwaves through the family , particularly for their two middle aged sons , Ben and Brian . The “ kids ” descend on Grand Horizons to “ fix ” their parents ’ relationship , or at least talk them out of divorce . Ben grapples with his therapist wife , Jess and her ‘ expert ’

Stephen Snars , Kimberlea Smith , Kate Mannix .

Kate Mannix and Brett Joachim .

suggestions for repairing Bill and Nancy ’ s marriage .

Meanwhile , younger brother Brian is dealing with his own identity crisis . A hilarious exploration of family relationships , marriage , love , growing old and discovering one ’ s true happiness .

This Tony nominated comedy bursts with all the joy and pathos of everyday life , theatre at its most enjoyable and familiar .

“ A family comedy with heart . It ’ s about risking it all to find true happiness .” Jason Darlington , Director

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