I was referring to the bark - that sheds seasonally, although it's
more persistent near the base (this one is also known as a 'Brown
Butt'). Leaves shed constantly.
Never been convinced about the 'oil explosion' argument. The leaves
are schlerophyllous - hard coated almost like a varnish - it's a
water retention strategy.
Branches tend to drop in the summer with a loud bang - we have
Mountain Grey Gums here and they are notorious for it - it defines
their shape.
They put down a deep tap root so they only tend to fall over if dead
or in shallow soil, especially if it has dried out. You can see the
dying trees along ridges here in droughts.
Think of it as the environment fighting back. Serves us right.
Andrew Fildes
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 18/02/2009, at 5:21 PM, Moose wrote:
> Along with the invisible cloud of highly inflammable oil that hovers
> above them in heat and goes up, "WHOOMPH" when ignited. And what do
> you
> mean annual? Around here, they shed all the time, including the
> occasional widow maker branches. It's also hilly here and they are
> sallow rooted, so whole trees fall as well. I had two fall into my
> yard
> in 12 years in my last house.
--
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