Sabrina Hahn: In celebration of National Eucalypt Day here are some of my favourite things about them

There are plenty of special days each year dedicated to celebrating everything from the power of women all the way to pancakes. It’s March 23 that marks one of my favourite celebrations in National Eucalypt Day, a moment to raise awareness of our magnificent gum trees and consider the important place they hold in the hearts and lives of all Australians. There are more than 850 types of eucalypts that grow in deserts, wetlands, mountain tops, deep valleys, snow, sand and tropical savannas. They survive in the harshest of climates and in every soil type. Eucalypts are the most dominant species in our landscape and hang on to life, in spite of extremes. They range in height from 1m to the towering mountain ash found in Tasmania that grows to over 80m tall. Eucalyptus trees are vitally important to our honey production as most of our honey comes from bushland. Here are some delicious species: • Blue gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon): light amber, choice forest honey from Victoria, south-eastern South Australia and south-western New South Wales. • Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor): amber honey from the forests of Western Australia. • Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora): pale and sweet honey from NSW, VIC and Queensland. • Red and white stringy bark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha or globoidea;): strong flavoured, medium amber honey from forests in north-eastern VIC and throughout the Great Dividing Range from NSW to QLD. Eucalyptus species are identified by characteristics such as the bark, leaf shape, bud cap, stamens, nut, size, stalk and ability to regenerate after fire. Aboriginal names such as illyarie, tingle, marlock, moort and yate are still commonly used today. First nations people utilised every part of eucalyptus trees for medicine, food, tools and shelter. Eucalyptus oil is distilled for antiseptics, flavourings, fragrances, insecticides, solvents and pharmaceutical use. The bark, leaves and roots also make excellent natural dyes. Many species of fauna rely on gum trees for shelter, food and nesting. Loss of habitat and in particular native corridors are having a catastrophic effect on the population decline on many species, some to the point of extinction. Revegetating corridors will be vital to their survival. Tip Planting tube stock or smaller sized eucalyptus trees allows them to grow a deeper root system and usually become more adapted to their new environment. Saplings will require watering twice a week in their first two summers. 3 Jobs to do now 1. Visit your local bushland, park or Kings Park and sit under a tree and be grateful for the shade it provides. 2. Soak beetroot seedlings in 1 tsp of boron in a 9L watering can before planting. 3. Ensure avocado and citrus trees have regular water as the fruit develops and ripens.