Ghost Gum Gone and Vintage Australian Ceramics

July 18, 2013

Lost ghost gum tree

Ghost gum magnificence

When I would take my dog for a stroll, the first thing that would confront me when ascending the steep hill near my home, was this magnificent old Ghost Gum tree. Situated in a commanding position like a guardian overlooking the valley below, it was a vision of grace, endurance and power. Some have a lifespan of over 500 years, so I was dismayed to see it being removed with chainsaws recently. A vision not to behold ! Apparently a branch was diseased but overall the tree looked healthy to me.

These iconic Australian trees don’t occur naturally in prolific numbers and have the status of being sacred according to the indigenous Australians. Its long and smooth branches have a serpent like quality. This Ghost Gum was over 50 feet in height. The only place it will exist now is in Google maps which is where I grabbed this image from.

This majestic Ghost Gum is also in the neighbourhood and has the twisting, weaving, undulating branches that are similar to one of its sacred cousins, the Oak Tree. This one is on private property, so it hopefully won’t fall to a similar fate.

Some other Aussie Ghost Gums

Heritage listed Ghost Gum

( http://debandrandall.blogspot.com.au )

Koala on a Ghost Gum

rednomadoz.blogspot.com

Australian Ghost Gumtree

The curvaceous lines really make it the Goddess of the Gumtrees

( AllPosters.com )

Ghost Gum in Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell National Park (© Vilis Nams)

‘ Gorgeous ‘ – Trephina Gorge Ghost Gums

( Island Home – Flickr )

Centralian Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja), just south of Alice Springs, Central Australia.

( Michael J. Barritt – flickr )

Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja) at Simpsons Gap, part of the West MacDonnell National Park , Central Australia

( Michael J. Barritt – flickr )

“Twin Ghosts” by Albert Namatjira.

The Ghost Gum tree features in aboriginal Dreamtime stories and gained prominence with the wider public in the 20th century through the paintings of aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira.

Trephina gorge » The largest Ghost Gum in the Centre

( photo – Johan Douma )

A Ghost Gum couldn’t grow a straight branch if it tried. Just like in feng shui, the curvy shapes of the branches represent inclusiveness, compassion and flexibility.

( photo – Brolga Healing Journeys )

Outback Ghost Gum

Graham Gercken – deviant art

This piece of bark has a thickness of nearly 1 inch, taken from a branch of the lost Ghost Gum.

Stanley Chasm ghost gum

Alice Springs, Australia

Ghost gum eucalyptus

Alice Springs, Australia

Ceramic sculpture by Val Mark – Ghost Gum

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Vintage Australian Pottery :

Gum leaves, gum nuts and gum flowers were a regular feature on Australian vintage pottery. So its not hard to find pottery with representation of the Gumtree.