Tree of the Month: Water Gum

Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) grows prolifically in the Stanwell Creek area where it can reach 15 metres.

It also appears along the escarpment, and the Royal National Park, usually at the heads of watercourses.

Its range is from south-east Queensland to Northern Victoria, generally along the coast. It has creamy yellow flowers in short clusters and has alternate narrow leaves that can be from 5 to 12 cm long.

The wood is light and strong, and has often been used for making tool handles, mallets and golf club heads.