Tree of the Month

Each month we showcase an iconic or loved tree in Holdfast Bay. The tree of the month aims to increase the awareness of the value of trees in the City of Holdfast Bay, highlighting the important role trees play in our city such as shade, cooling, clean air, fauna habitat, wellbeing and connection to nature.

Species: Melaleuca styphelioides (prickly paper-bark)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: NSW, Qld
Flowering time: Spring, summer
Flower colour: White, cream
Purpose: Ornamental, habitat, screen
Canopy cover (approximate shade provided): 10-15 metres
Approximate age: 30-40 years
Estimated amenity value: $92,435 (based on the City of Melbourne’s Amenity Value Formula)

With a canopy spanning 10-15 metres, this tree cuts an impressive figure on Oleander Street at South Brighton.

Up close, it’s even more impressive with its many thin layers of bark – which is why it’s also known as a prickly paper-bark tree.

Estimated to be between 30-40 years old, the tree now bears a large Tree of the Month medallion, highlighting its beauty and its value to the environment.

Holdfast Bay resident Peter nominated the tree, impressed by the biodiversity it houses because of its multiple layers of bark.

“It’s incredible how one single tree can contribute to the urban eco-system in such an impactful way,” Peter said.

“This tree provides what can only be described as a natural all-you-can-eat buffet for wildlife, from small bugs through to lizards and everything in between.”

With care and maintenance, after 20 years, this tree could potentially:

• offset 885 kilometres worth of CO2 emitted from the average petrol-powered passenger vehicles
• absorb enough stormwater to fill 2,985 bathtubs
• remove an amount of pollution from the air – in gaseous and particulate form – equivalent in weight to 252 smartphones

Is there a tree that you love or that you think deserves recognition in the City of Holdfast Bay? Take the time to nominate it by completing the form below.