Celebrating National Eucalypt Day 2024

To keep trees standing, we need to stand up for them

By Ewa Meyer, gum tree hugger & EcoUpdate Editor.

The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity, and by these I shall not regulate my proportions; and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself. As a man is, so he sees.’

– William Blake, from his communications with the Reverend John Trusler, 1799.¹

The tree to which Blake refers was unlikely a Eucalypt. But it doesn’t matter. Here too, in Australia, we all too often take our magnificent trees for granted – or worse still, we treat them with disdain.

National Eucalypt Day, held annually on 23 March and now in its 11th year, raises public awareness about eucalypts and celebrate the important place they hold in the hearts and lives of Australians.

The program aims to meet the promotion, education and conservation objectives of Eucalypt Australia by addressing the themes of tree breeding and genomics, primary education and public awareness.

Starting in February each year, with the help of Remember The Wild², Eucalypt Australia³ begin a conversation about Australia’s treasured eucalypts.  Gardens, museums, friends groups, councils and businesses across the country hold events to celebrate their local eucalypts. You have the opportunity to vote for your favourite gum tree from a shortlist of ten. See below for more details.

Are Eucalypt and Eucalyptus the same thing?

Eucalypt is a term that includes the three closely-related genera Angophora, Corymbia and Eucalyptus, all recognisable as ‘gum trees’. Well-known Angophoras include the Sydney Red Gum, Angophora costata, and Corymbias such as the Lemon-scented Gum, Corymbia citriodora.
Well known Eucalyptus species include the widespread River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and the massive Mountain Ash, Eucalyptus regnans.

Images: Catherine Cavallo

Vote for your favourite

Eucalypts give character to our neighbourhoods, provide food and shelter for native wildlife and help keep our homes, streets and parklands cool. Let’s understand the value of these plants in our environments, especially as the climate changes.

No species are shortlisted from the Port Stephens region this year – but we did get the winner last year, Smooth-barked Apple – Angophora Costata. So thank you to everyone who voted. Voting for 2024 closes on Wednesday 20 March. Press this button to cast your vote!

Until 23 March, you can also share a photo on social media that represents your love for urban eucalypts – #LoveAGum_urban

It could be a special tree, a eucalypt selfie, a story or a memory, a snap with family or anything that illustrates a special human-eucalypt connection. Every post counts as an entry in draw to win eucalypt-themed prizes. Let’s see and show just how much Australians love and care for our diverse, tough and iconic eucalypts!

Eucalypt Events

References and other useful links:

1. William Blake, from his communications with the Reverend John Trusler, 1799. Seeing the Wood Through the Trees by Pete Yeo.
2. Eucalypt, a film series by Remember the Wild
3. Eucalypt Australia is a charitable trust that awards grants to support the conservation, education, and research of eucalypts. The Trust envisages a public inspired by and appreciative of eucalypts.
4. The myths about Eucalypts, true or false – EcoUpdate April 2022.
5. March in March for Native Forests – Newcastle Civic Park 10am on 24 March. More info.