Separation Tree facts for kids
The Separation Tree was a very special and old tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. It was a type of tree called a Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which is also known as a red river gum.
This famous tree grew on the Tennyson Lawn. It was one of two original red river gum trees that stood by a swampy area called a billabong, which is now part of the Ornamental Lake in the gardens.
What Was the Separation Tree?
The Separation Tree was a well-known landmark in Melbourne. It was famous because people gathered there on 15 November 1850. They were celebrating the exciting news that Victoria was going to become its own separate colony, no longer part of New South Wales. This big announcement was made by Governor La Trobe.
This tree was one of the few trees in the gardens that was already growing there before European settlers arrived. It was about 24 metres (79 feet) tall, which is like an eight-story building! Its branches spread out about 27 metres (89 feet) wide, creating a large shady area. The trunk of the tree was also very thick, about 3.83 metres (12.6 feet) around. In 1951, a special plaque was placed at the tree's base to remember the 100-year anniversary of Victoria becoming a separate colony.
A Protected Landmark
In 1982, the Separation Tree was added to the Significant Tree Register by the National Trust of Victoria. This meant it was recognized as a very important natural landmark that needed to be protected.
Damage and Legacy
Sadly, the tree was damaged in 2010 and again in 2013. It was about 400 years old when this happened. In the first attack, most of its outer layer, called the cambium, was removed. This layer helps the tree get water and nutrients. The second attack finished destroying the remaining part of this important layer.
In 2015, experts confirmed the tree had died. Its canopy (the leafy top part) and some large branches were removed. By July 2015, only the main trunk and parts of three large branches were left standing.
Even though the original tree is gone, its legacy lives on! There are 26 young trees, called saplings, that grew from the original Separation Tree. These saplings have been planted in different places across Victoria. One is in the botanic gardens in Melbourne, and another is at Parliament House.
