Snow Gums - Some trees thrive in the snow - Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia
November 13th 2010 11:45
Snow Gums grow in the snow slopes at Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia.
They often have intriguing twisted branches. The bark of the Snow Gums is smooth and white to light grey or sometimes brown-red, shedding in patches or strips to give a mottled appearance. Rather than losing its leaves in winter, the tree adapts to the weight of snow by progressively bending its branches so that the outermost branches extend vertically down and snow is shed from the leaves.
Rats and small insectivorous marsupials live and feed under the snow.
Snow Gums are native to Eastern Australia and are usually found in the sub alpine habitats.
Snow Gums also grow in Lowlands habitats where they can reach heights of up to 20 metres. Land clearing is threatening the existence of the Snow Gum in the lowlands and preserving the remnant stands is becoming a priority.
Snow Gums can be cultivated by seed and can be used for windbreaks, shade, fence posts, fuel, honey and also for medicinal use.
Information from Wikipedia
In September we spent a fantastic day at Falls Creek. Part of hiring the skiing equipment was a free lesson. (The tutor was excellent) In the afternoon we donned snow shoes and thoroughly enjoyed an inspiring guided walk up and down the beautiful snow slopes of Falls Creek.
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