Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum)

Will Rodgers recorded this track on 6 December 2024. In a paddock at Tullymorgan, New South Wales Australia, stands a tall Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). Its upper branches would have been part of the continuous canopy over 40 metres high above the ground – standing tall on the slopes leading down to the banks of Biirrinba (Clarence River) at the Broadwater. At some stage in its life, it has lost its crown and stalwartly regrown. Now it stands alone in a cleared paddock, still in touch with its kin through mycorrhizal connections, but increasingly isolated in this paddock pastured with beef cattle. No scions are allowed to propagate due to their constant grazing. It is a silent sentinel living out its elder years without much hope for continuance. Despite this sad situation, it is still a vital contributor of the biodiversity of the local area. As an elder, it contains many hollows in its upper branches and provides nesting and resting places for birds, insects and mammals. Its roots aerate the soil and allow for deep water penetration. It is a mighty sequesterer of carbon. Recorded on Zoom H6 using an XYH-6 X/Y mic capsule with additional LOM Geofón recordings at the root base, bole and lower branches to record soil vibrations and trunk movement in the wind. SEE ADDITIONAL NOTES BELOW

Images: Rochelle Summerfield

Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest red gum or Blue gum), is a tall, fast-growing eucalypt native to eastern Australia and parts of southern New Guinea. It thrives in a range of habitats from coastal plains to inland riverbanks, stretching from southern Victoria through New South Wales and Queensland, and into Papua New Guinea. This species typically reaches heights of 20–50 metres, with a straight, erect trunk that can exceed 1.5 metres in diameter. It forms a lignotuber, allowing it to regenerate after fire. The bark is smooth and sheds in irregular flakes, revealing a mottled palette of white, grey, and bluish tones, though rough bark may persist at the base. The adult leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and glossy green on both sides, often drooping on slender petioles. Flower buds appear in clusters of seven to eleven, producing white flowers that are rich in nectar and highly attractive to pollinators. The fruit is a small, woody, hemispherical capsule. Ecologically, E. tereticornis plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, offering habitat and food for birds, insects, and mammals. Its nectar is a key resource for honey production, and its dense wood is valued for fuel, construction, and pulp. The species is also used in land rehabilitation and erosion control due to its robust root system and tolerance of poor soils. Notably, its rapid growth and resilience make it a cornerstone species in reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts.

iNaturalist

Additional recording information

I spent several hours beneath this tree recording both above and below the ground. The tree was a hive of activity with many bird species (see below) visiting and abundant insect life. It was a windy day and the sound of branches rustling and leaves vibrating add to the colloquy of bird and insect conversations. This soundscape reflects the fundamental importance of this tree as a local haven of biodiversity. — Will Rodgers

This is a list of species, elements and anthropogenic sounds positively identified that contribute their voices to this piece.

Birds:
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)
Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)
White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaea)
Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)
Sahul Cicadabird (Edolisoma tenuirostre)
Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)
Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)

Insects:
Cicada spp

Elements:
Wind in branches

Will Rodgers online