Ida’s Valley Giant Red Flowering Gum
(Myrtaceae: Eucalyptus ficifolia)
Alternate common name
Rooiblombloekom (Afrikaans)
(Champion Tree, Red Flowering Gum, the caretaker enjoying a private moment as we surveyed this remarkable tree) |
We had the good fortune to visit the Ida’s Valley Homestead; the late afternoon sun was low; this created a warm glow as we surveyed this exceptional tree, protected by its Champion Tree status.
The Caretaker was kind enough to entertain our impromptu visit, providing some history of the estate and share this private moment. Estimated to be more than two hundred years old, this Eucalyptus and various Oaks and other exotic trees were planted on the estate. This multi-stemmed trunk is impressive and is adorned with a massive crown that flowers in different phases depending on the season. Starting on the eastern edge in January and ending on the western edge towards autumn.
(Ida’s Valley Homestead, historic and timeless, Declared a South African Heritage Resource) |
Originating from the southwest of Western Australia, an evergreen tree with a rounded crown, Eucalyptus from the Greek, meaning “well Covered”, referring to the fused lid over the flower before it opens (ficifolia meaning “with leaves like a fig.”
Sellenbosch has a vibrant history, and Simon Van Der Sell initially granted the farm to one of the original French Huguenots, Francois Villion(Viljoen); the area has now been declared a South African Heritage Resource.
(Thee Impressive Trunks create the structure for this Giant) |
(Muscular trunks support this expansive crown) |
As the sun finally dipped behind the mountain, we departed; unfortunately, this once-grand estate showed signs of neglect. Nevertheless, you could appreciate the spectacular gardens and lush surrounding, who know one day new owners could transform this estate back to its former glory.
(We will return in the spring to witness this Eucalyptus in full flower) |
Some information about this tree:
Location Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/Q8iKz3KK8thYQ1eAA
Index #169
Hight 22,1m
Crown 25,3
Trunk 2,31m
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(This is a private residence and permission to visit will be required) |
Champion Trees in Stellenbosch
Please read about our previous adventures, our quest to locate all the Champion Trees in Stellenbosch.
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