eHive Object Details

Name/TitleSeparation Tree, Botanical Gardens, Melbourne, c. 1906

About this objectPhotograph of a tree located on the Tennyson Lawn in the Botanical Gardens. The tree was one of two original river red gums that were along the banks of the swampy billabong which became part of the ornamental lake. Superimposed on the lower left of the image is a photograph of the shield-shaped plaque that was affixed to the tree.

The plaque reads:
Separation Tree / Under this tree on 15th Nov 1850, / public rejoicings of citizens of Melbourne / took place in celebration of the / authorized separation / of the Colony of Victoria / from N.S.W. on 1st July 1851.

The tree, a Eucalyptus camaldulensis, was vandalised in 2010 and 2013, and now only the dead trunk and three short limbs remain.

It was one of the few trees left in the garden that pre-dated European colonization. The tree was approximately 24 m (79 ft) in height with a canopy that was around 27 m (89 ft) wide. The trunk had a circumference of 3.83 m (13 ft) at its girth.

A plaque commemorating the centenary of the separation of the colonies was placed at the base of the tree in 1951.

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

Inscription and MarksMount: Botanical Gardens c 1906 / Separation Tree / Selby Collection

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1910-1920

Object TypeGlass slide

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsRoyal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsSeparation Tree

Subject and Association KeywordsColonies and colonisation

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-G-51

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved