Keelbundoora Scarred Trees and Heritage Trail
Keelbundoora Scarred Trees and Heritage Trail
An awe -inspiring walk through RMITs Bundoora redgum grassy woodland learning about the Wurundjeri relationship to this amazing ecosystem.
Summary
An awe -inspiring walk through RMITs Bundoora redgum grassy woodland learning about the Wurundjeri relationship to this amazing ecosystem.
Description
RMIT's Bundoora campus has six scarred trees that are rare and fragile reminders of the resource harvesting techniques practised by hundreds of generations of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The tree scars tell us a great deal about the Wurundjeri clan, the traditional owners of the lands in and around Melbourne.
Keelbundoora is named after a Wurundjeri clan ancestor. As a child in 1835 he was present at the signing of the Batman Treaty, which marked European colonists' arrival. Keelbundoora's descendants helped create this trail.
This walk is situated on the Country of the Wurundjeri people. I acknowledge their rich traditions associated with the land and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
41154 Views
Points of Interest
1. The Heritage Peppercorn Tree
South American Peppercorn trees were often planted near homesteads in the colonial period. The White and Clements families ran the dairy farm Flora Vale in this area from the 1840s to the early 1970s.
2. The Relocated Scarred Tree
Scars on living trees are from Aboriginal people deliberately removing bark or wood.
3. The Possum Tree
Years ago, major limb loss, fire and decay in this ancient river redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) created a large opening with nooks and crannies for possums and birds to shelter.
4. possum
Look out for some local wildlife using the habitat these tress and understory provide.
5. Lakeview
Wetlands are home to aquatic and semi-aquatic indigenous plant species, water birds, frogs, fish and invertebrates. Wetlands were a major source of food, fibre and medicines for Aboriginal people.
6. The Fused-limb Tree
This can happen naturally but Aboriginal people also made it happen by deliberately manipulating a growing tree. Either way, the trees are thought to have special significance.
7. Funky RMIT architecture
Enjoy the views of the funky built form. Kids love this walk too!
8. Burls
A number of bulbous woody growths occur at the base of the trunk, called lignotubers or 'burls'.The Wurundjeri people sometimes removed the burls and crafted them into water containers called tarnuks.
9. Triple Scar and Redgum Grassy Woodlands
Some of these redgums are well over 400 years old. Help the Friends of the Bundoora Redgums restore the grassy understory to boost biodiversity.
10. The 'Canoe' Tree
The scar on this tree is probably from bark being deliberately removed to make roofing material or a small food-collection canoe.
11. The Staircase
This non indigenous lemon scented gum still provides nectar for the local possums as seen by the claw marks in its trunk.
12. The Resource Tree
Trees were major food sources for the Wurundjeri people. Birds, eggs, honey and possums could all be harvested from trees. This one has an access hole.
13. The Rectangular Cultural Scar
This is a highly significant tree. The scars size suggests the bark was used to build a shelter.
14. Frogpond
6 species of frogs have been recorded in Bundoora, most of which need the wetlands to survive. Frogs have been around for 190 million years and are an accurate indicator of environmental wellbeing.
15. Woodland View and Re-vegetation site
The Friends of the Bundoora Redgums Inc, a volunteer organisation, has begun the long process of restoring the Redgum Grassy Woodland to its former glory. Join in!
Features
Picnic spot
Art and culture
