Technology harnessed to save historic tree

BY MICK ROBERTS

Technology is being harnessed to save a century old tree in Sydney’s Royal Botanic gardens.
Botanic Gardens Trust Acting Executive Director, Bernard Carlon said the internet is being used as a tool to rescue the life of a stunning Dragon Blood Tree that has toppled over onto its side.
Mr Carlon said online discussions with botanist from around the world are currently underway to find the best solution to saving the tree.
The captivating eight-metre-tall specimen, with its 10 metre-wide crown crashed to the ground because of an unusual spurt in growth after unseasonable wet weather caused the tree to become top heavy, Mr Carlon said.
‘Trust experts believe the tree has a 60/40 chance of being saved and our manager, Royal Botanic Gardens and senior horticulturist, arboriculture are doing all they can to get it back on its trunk,’ Mr Carlon said.
‘In the wild, the Dragon Blood Tree can live up to 650 years and reaches heights of around 10 to 12 metres – the tree grows slowly, about one metre every 10 years.
The Dragon Blood is a succulent, extremely hardy and drought tolerant. It enjoys warm temperatures and sub-tropical conditions and is a native of the Canary Islands, Spain.
It was planted during the Directorship of Joseph Maiden (1896-1924).
‘Maiden was an enthusiast of Canary Islands flora and he made efforts to give the Gardens a tropical touch,’ he said.
The Dragon Blood is situated near a popular walkway by the harbour foreshore at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens not far from the Opera House.