HIDDEN IN THE HILLS by Lachlan Turner
We all know that trees have bark , but did you know there are almost as many variations in bark as there are trees and shrubs ? Often a tree gains its name from the description given to its bark . Here are some examples .
- Scribbly Gum ( Eucalyptus haemastoma ), where an insect burrows just under the surface , finding a source of food in or under this top layer of bark leaving a wriggly trail on the surface
- Black Butt ( Eucalyptus pilularis ), where the dark fibrous bark at the base of the trunk appears to have been subject to a bushfire and the burnt colour is retained for quite a distance up the trunk
- Stringy Bark ( Eucalyptus agglomerata ), which refers to the stringy fibrous nature of the bark , which , if pulled from the tree reveals a reddish colour beneath the grey exterior Some trees visibly shed their bark completely every year , usually during spring when the new growth starts . The manner in which the old season ’ s bark is shed can produce interesting colours and patterns depending on the type of tree .
BARKS
In some cases , last season ’ s bark , if it is quite thin , will dry out and flake off the tree and fall in long sheets revealing the new coloured bark underneath . One such species is a variety of Angophora where the new bark is a bright orange .
In some trees , lightly scraping away the old flakey bark reveals a new coloured bark underneath ; this is the case with Geebungs ( Persoonia species ) and Paperbarks ( Mellaleuca quinquenervia ) in particular .
The bark of a mature Old Man Banksia ( Banksia serrata ) is distinctively globular in formation and cork like .
There are occasions when a tree will emit a sappy gum-like liquid in its attempt to counteract an insect infestation which gives the appearance that the tree is bleeding .
Fire danger , prepare now
The CSIRO is warning that Australia is in for a severe fire season with a particular danger on the eastern coastline . This coincides with warnings from firefighting authorities , with the biggest fire danger being the Urban Interface .
Local pump manufacturer , Aussie Pumps , warn that the time to prepare your property is now .
Free copies of the Aussie Bushfire Survival Guide are readily available from pump distributors around the Hills District .
The guide stresses the need for preparation of the site , awareness of animal and livestock precautions and the need to move fast to equip before the fire hits . They claim the best form of protection is the Aussie Fire Chief , claimed to be the world ’ s best lightweight portable fire pump .
The Chief produces 25 per cent more performance than competitors and offers a five year warranty because of its top quality components . The best news for consumers is the current price is $ 800 plus GST , a fraction of the price charged by older brands that are inferior in performance and overall features .
“ We see competitors asking super high prices when the fire season is on ,” said Aussie Pumps ’ Sam Loria . Sam
Shellea Lorenz is preparing for the worst !
stresses the need for getting set up with the right gear including hose kits and adequate water supply as essential . Further information is available at Australian Pump Industries at Norwest , or authorised dealers in the Hills District including Hills Irrigation at Castle Hill , Ace Ohlsson at McGraths Hill , Dick Petrikas at North Richmond or Glenorie Stockfeeds in Glenorie .
“ They can help with great advice and top quality Aussie products ,” said Sam .
22 ISSUE 115 // JANUARY 2025 HAPPY NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT