Dean Nicolle
@deannicolle1.bsky.social
Eucalyptologist (gum nut). Botanist, arborist, ecologist & author, specialising in the eucalypts.
Landscapes / wildlife / science / biodiversity / climate / fire / conservation / evolution / wilderness / taxonomy
Currency Creek Arboretum
www.dn.com.au
Landscapes / wildlife / science / biodiversity / climate / fire / conservation / evolution / wilderness / taxonomy
Currency Creek Arboretum
www.dn.com.au
Currency Creek Arboretum open days for 2026 are now scheduled!
The world's most diverse collection of eucalypts is only open to the public twice a year, at our biannual open days. Details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
The world's most diverse collection of eucalypts is only open to the public twice a year, at our biannual open days. Details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
October 22, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Currency Creek Arboretum open days for 2026 are now scheduled!
The world's most diverse collection of eucalypts is only open to the public twice a year, at our biannual open days. Details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
The world's most diverse collection of eucalypts is only open to the public twice a year, at our biannual open days. Details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
We're all set up and ready to go for the arboretum open days THIS WEEKEND! Come and see the world's most diverse collection of eucalypts, with over 800 species growing on the one site.
About an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
About an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
October 10, 2025 at 9:12 AM
We're all set up and ready to go for the arboretum open days THIS WEEKEND! Come and see the world's most diverse collection of eucalypts, with over 800 species growing on the one site.
About an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
About an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
1. Eucalyptus conferruminata subsp. 'Cape Arid' (Cape Arid marlock)
2. E. dolichorhyncha (long-budded fuchsia gum)
3. E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia (Wylie Scarp mallee)
4. E. rhodantha (rose mallee)
You can also find out more about the arboretum here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
2. E. dolichorhyncha (long-budded fuchsia gum)
3. E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia (Wylie Scarp mallee)
4. E. rhodantha (rose mallee)
You can also find out more about the arboretum here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
September 30, 2025 at 8:01 AM
1. Eucalyptus conferruminata subsp. 'Cape Arid' (Cape Arid marlock)
2. E. dolichorhyncha (long-budded fuchsia gum)
3. E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia (Wylie Scarp mallee)
4. E. rhodantha (rose mallee)
You can also find out more about the arboretum here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
2. E. dolichorhyncha (long-budded fuchsia gum)
3. E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia (Wylie Scarp mallee)
4. E. rhodantha (rose mallee)
You can also find out more about the arboretum here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Less than 2 weeks until our arboretum open days! Here's a few of the eucalypts flowering at the moment.
These free open days only occur biannually. Currency Creek Arboretum is about an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
These free open days only occur biannually. Currency Creek Arboretum is about an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
September 30, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Less than 2 weeks until our arboretum open days! Here's a few of the eucalypts flowering at the moment.
These free open days only occur biannually. Currency Creek Arboretum is about an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
These free open days only occur biannually. Currency Creek Arboretum is about an hour's drive south of Adelaide in SA. Open details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Carnivorous plants are always pretty cool, and we are lucky enough to have large populations of four different sundew (Drosera) species at the arboretum.
D. whittakeri (Whittaker's sundew)
D. glanduligera (scarlet sundew)
D. auriculata (tall sundew)
D. macrantha subsp. planchonii (climbing sundew)
D. whittakeri (Whittaker's sundew)
D. glanduligera (scarlet sundew)
D. auriculata (tall sundew)
D. macrantha subsp. planchonii (climbing sundew)
September 26, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Carnivorous plants are always pretty cool, and we are lucky enough to have large populations of four different sundew (Drosera) species at the arboretum.
D. whittakeri (Whittaker's sundew)
D. glanduligera (scarlet sundew)
D. auriculata (tall sundew)
D. macrantha subsp. planchonii (climbing sundew)
D. whittakeri (Whittaker's sundew)
D. glanduligera (scarlet sundew)
D. auriculata (tall sundew)
D. macrantha subsp. planchonii (climbing sundew)
"Perth had its wettest winter in 30 years. Why aren't its dams full?" An insightful and alarming news article by the ABC:
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
September 13, 2025 at 11:29 PM
"Perth had its wettest winter in 30 years. Why aren't its dams full?" An insightful and alarming news article by the ABC:
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Caught a flock to 20-odd yellow-tailed black cockatoos shredding the large woody fruits of Eucalyptus youngiana and the branches of drooping she-oaks at the arboretum.
They certainly are efficient at shredding fruits and branches in search of seeds and grubs!
They certainly are efficient at shredding fruits and branches in search of seeds and grubs!
July 21, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Caught a flock to 20-odd yellow-tailed black cockatoos shredding the large woody fruits of Eucalyptus youngiana and the branches of drooping she-oaks at the arboretum.
They certainly are efficient at shredding fruits and branches in search of seeds and grubs!
They certainly are efficient at shredding fruits and branches in search of seeds and grubs!
Eucalyptus rhodantha (rose mallee) at Currency Creek Arboretum today.
The operculum (bud cap) is here shedding to reveal the stamens (the pink, thread-like structures which form the colourful part of most eucalypt flowers) and the anthers (the tiny, pale yellow 'dots' which produce pollen).
The operculum (bud cap) is here shedding to reveal the stamens (the pink, thread-like structures which form the colourful part of most eucalypt flowers) and the anthers (the tiny, pale yellow 'dots' which produce pollen).
July 20, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Eucalyptus rhodantha (rose mallee) at Currency Creek Arboretum today.
The operculum (bud cap) is here shedding to reveal the stamens (the pink, thread-like structures which form the colourful part of most eucalypt flowers) and the anthers (the tiny, pale yellow 'dots' which produce pollen).
The operculum (bud cap) is here shedding to reveal the stamens (the pink, thread-like structures which form the colourful part of most eucalypt flowers) and the anthers (the tiny, pale yellow 'dots' which produce pollen).
This year's spring open days at Currency Creek Arboretum will be on Sat 11 & Sun 12 October 2025.
Learn about the research we are doing in the most diverse collection of eucalypts on the planet (over 800 species!) Free entry and tours. Open Day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Learn about the research we are doing in the most diverse collection of eucalypts on the planet (over 800 species!) Free entry and tours. Open Day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
July 15, 2025 at 7:42 AM
This year's spring open days at Currency Creek Arboretum will be on Sat 11 & Sun 12 October 2025.
Learn about the research we are doing in the most diverse collection of eucalypts on the planet (over 800 species!) Free entry and tours. Open Day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Learn about the research we are doing in the most diverse collection of eucalypts on the planet (over 800 species!) Free entry and tours. Open Day details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
A well-developed root-plate and lignotuber in a planted spotted gum (Eucalyptus maculata) in Adelaide.
Sure, the tree has displaced the concrete kerb, but it is well worth it to have such a large, structurally-sound tree providing so much shade, cooling, wildlife and amenity to this streetscape.
Sure, the tree has displaced the concrete kerb, but it is well worth it to have such a large, structurally-sound tree providing so much shade, cooling, wildlife and amenity to this streetscape.
July 8, 2025 at 7:01 AM
A well-developed root-plate and lignotuber in a planted spotted gum (Eucalyptus maculata) in Adelaide.
Sure, the tree has displaced the concrete kerb, but it is well worth it to have such a large, structurally-sound tree providing so much shade, cooling, wildlife and amenity to this streetscape.
Sure, the tree has displaced the concrete kerb, but it is well worth it to have such a large, structurally-sound tree providing so much shade, cooling, wildlife and amenity to this streetscape.
Following on from my earlier post, here are a few more sites, this time from east of Adelaide (Murray Bridge, Monarto, Callington), showing the impacts of the 'green drought'.
And these are all considered to be relatively drought tolerant species - mallee box, sheoaks, Callitris, olive trees...
And these are all considered to be relatively drought tolerant species - mallee box, sheoaks, Callitris, olive trees...
July 4, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Following on from my earlier post, here are a few more sites, this time from east of Adelaide (Murray Bridge, Monarto, Callington), showing the impacts of the 'green drought'.
And these are all considered to be relatively drought tolerant species - mallee box, sheoaks, Callitris, olive trees...
And these are all considered to be relatively drought tolerant species - mallee box, sheoaks, Callitris, olive trees...
Depressing pics of remnant pink gum & SA blue gum woodland on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
This 'green drought' is caused by record low rainfall followed by some winter rain. Here we are seeing vegetation change in progress, caused by rapid climate change.
This 'green drought' is caused by record low rainfall followed by some winter rain. Here we are seeing vegetation change in progress, caused by rapid climate change.
July 3, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Depressing pics of remnant pink gum & SA blue gum woodland on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
This 'green drought' is caused by record low rainfall followed by some winter rain. Here we are seeing vegetation change in progress, caused by rapid climate change.
This 'green drought' is caused by record low rainfall followed by some winter rain. Here we are seeing vegetation change in progress, caused by rapid climate change.
Unusually vibrant bark in Eucalyptus maculata (spotted gum) at Currency Creek Arboretum.
Known as 'ginger syndrome', it is caused by the bark overheating and desiccating from severe drought stress. It will be interesting to see if these trees recover or continue to deteriorate after some rain.
Known as 'ginger syndrome', it is caused by the bark overheating and desiccating from severe drought stress. It will be interesting to see if these trees recover or continue to deteriorate after some rain.
June 19, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Unusually vibrant bark in Eucalyptus maculata (spotted gum) at Currency Creek Arboretum.
Known as 'ginger syndrome', it is caused by the bark overheating and desiccating from severe drought stress. It will be interesting to see if these trees recover or continue to deteriorate after some rain.
Known as 'ginger syndrome', it is caused by the bark overheating and desiccating from severe drought stress. It will be interesting to see if these trees recover or continue to deteriorate after some rain.
Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) in the Warrumbungles of central NSW.
June 15, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) in the Warrumbungles of central NSW.
Just back from three weeks of eucalypt fieldwork in NSW. The state has 3 subspecies of river red gum (E. camaldulensis), which differ from one another most notably in the bud shape.
🔲⬛⬛ subsp. camaldulensis
⬛🔲⬛ subsp. arida
⬛⬛🔲 subsp. acuta
🔲⬛⬛ subsp. camaldulensis
⬛🔲⬛ subsp. arida
⬛⬛🔲 subsp. acuta
June 9, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Just back from three weeks of eucalypt fieldwork in NSW. The state has 3 subspecies of river red gum (E. camaldulensis), which differ from one another most notably in the bud shape.
🔲⬛⬛ subsp. camaldulensis
⬛🔲⬛ subsp. arida
⬛⬛🔲 subsp. acuta
🔲⬛⬛ subsp. camaldulensis
⬛🔲⬛ subsp. arida
⬛⬛🔲 subsp. acuta
6, 9, 12 and 18 month rainfall deciles for South Australia. Lots of red across southern SA for whatever time-length you pick.
May 8, 2025 at 1:22 AM
6, 9, 12 and 18 month rainfall deciles for South Australia. Lots of red across southern SA for whatever time-length you pick.
Dust-filled air on a warm, dry, windy May day at Currency Creek Arboretum.
May 4, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Dust-filled air on a warm, dry, windy May day at Currency Creek Arboretum.
Near-dead, drought-stressed trees of Eucalyptus eremophila at Currency Creek Arboretum, plus a bonus flowering photo of what it looks like when healthy!
The name 'eremophila' literally means 'desert loving', but the species is not loving the record dry conditions here at the moment...
The name 'eremophila' literally means 'desert loving', but the species is not loving the record dry conditions here at the moment...
April 29, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Near-dead, drought-stressed trees of Eucalyptus eremophila at Currency Creek Arboretum, plus a bonus flowering photo of what it looks like when healthy!
The name 'eremophila' literally means 'desert loving', but the species is not loving the record dry conditions here at the moment...
The name 'eremophila' literally means 'desert loving', but the species is not loving the record dry conditions here at the moment...
Eucalyptus recta (Wongan Hills silver mallee) desiccating at the arboretum due to the very dry conditions. This species originates from an annual average rainfall of about 400 mm, which is LESS than the annual average rainfall at Currency Creek Arboretum (460 mm).
March 28, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Eucalyptus recta (Wongan Hills silver mallee) desiccating at the arboretum due to the very dry conditions. This species originates from an annual average rainfall of about 400 mm, which is LESS than the annual average rainfall at Currency Creek Arboretum (460 mm).
Just a reminder that the arboretum open days this weekend (29 & 30 March 2025) have been CANCELLED due to unprecedented dry conditions.
Thanks for your understanding. Details of our next free open days in October 2025: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Thanks for your understanding. Details of our next free open days in October 2025: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
March 28, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Just a reminder that the arboretum open days this weekend (29 & 30 March 2025) have been CANCELLED due to unprecedented dry conditions.
Thanks for your understanding. Details of our next free open days in October 2025: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Thanks for your understanding. Details of our next free open days in October 2025: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Are we seeing the last of the stringybarks in the Mount Lofty Ranges?
Large areas of remnant trees now dying in the ranges & on Fleurieu Peninsula in SA 😳 This example in Belair Nat. Park. Better strap in, as there's no rain forecast anytime soon and we're just getting started with climate change 😥
Large areas of remnant trees now dying in the ranges & on Fleurieu Peninsula in SA 😳 This example in Belair Nat. Park. Better strap in, as there's no rain forecast anytime soon and we're just getting started with climate change 😥
March 26, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Are we seeing the last of the stringybarks in the Mount Lofty Ranges?
Large areas of remnant trees now dying in the ranges & on Fleurieu Peninsula in SA 😳 This example in Belair Nat. Park. Better strap in, as there's no rain forecast anytime soon and we're just getting started with climate change 😥
Large areas of remnant trees now dying in the ranges & on Fleurieu Peninsula in SA 😳 This example in Belair Nat. Park. Better strap in, as there's no rain forecast anytime soon and we're just getting started with climate change 😥
We have just cancelled the Currency Creek Arboretum open days for Sat 29 & Sun 30 March 2025, due to safety concerns associated with unprecedented dry conditions. Details: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Our next open days are 11 & 12 Oct 2025, when the arboretum should be much greener and safer!
Our next open days are 11 & 12 Oct 2025, when the arboretum should be much greener and safer!
March 24, 2025 at 1:09 AM
We have just cancelled the Currency Creek Arboretum open days for Sat 29 & Sun 30 March 2025, due to safety concerns associated with unprecedented dry conditions. Details: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...
Our next open days are 11 & 12 Oct 2025, when the arboretum should be much greener and safer!
Our next open days are 11 & 12 Oct 2025, when the arboretum should be much greener and safer!
A fun field trip, but it was alarming to see large areas of vegetation dying due to record low rainfall in the region.
◀️ Eucalyptus arenacea in Gum Lagoon Conservation Park.
▶️ E. wimmerensis at the summit of Mount Monster Conservation Park.
◀️ Eucalyptus arenacea in Gum Lagoon Conservation Park.
▶️ E. wimmerensis at the summit of Mount Monster Conservation Park.
March 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
A fun field trip, but it was alarming to see large areas of vegetation dying due to record low rainfall in the region.
◀️ Eucalyptus arenacea in Gum Lagoon Conservation Park.
▶️ E. wimmerensis at the summit of Mount Monster Conservation Park.
◀️ Eucalyptus arenacea in Gum Lagoon Conservation Park.
▶️ E. wimmerensis at the summit of Mount Monster Conservation Park.
Happy National Eucalypt Day!
We spent the weekend in the field in the south-east of South Australia, researching the distribution of several taxonomically difficult eucalypt pairs (namely Eucalyptus arenacea vs E. baxteri, E. odorata vs E. wimmerensis, and E. brachycalyx vs E. rugosa).
We spent the weekend in the field in the south-east of South Australia, researching the distribution of several taxonomically difficult eucalypt pairs (namely Eucalyptus arenacea vs E. baxteri, E. odorata vs E. wimmerensis, and E. brachycalyx vs E. rugosa).
March 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Happy National Eucalypt Day!
We spent the weekend in the field in the south-east of South Australia, researching the distribution of several taxonomically difficult eucalypt pairs (namely Eucalyptus arenacea vs E. baxteri, E. odorata vs E. wimmerensis, and E. brachycalyx vs E. rugosa).
We spent the weekend in the field in the south-east of South Australia, researching the distribution of several taxonomically difficult eucalypt pairs (namely Eucalyptus arenacea vs E. baxteri, E. odorata vs E. wimmerensis, and E. brachycalyx vs E. rugosa).
It remains super dry on the Fleurieu Peninsula in SA:
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
The red dot is location of Currency Creek Arboretum, about halfway between Victor Harbor & Strathalbyn, where we've had 290 mm in the 14 months since Jan 2024 (annual average is 470 mm).
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
The red dot is location of Currency Creek Arboretum, about halfway between Victor Harbor & Strathalbyn, where we've had 290 mm in the 14 months since Jan 2024 (annual average is 470 mm).
March 11, 2025 at 9:33 PM
It remains super dry on the Fleurieu Peninsula in SA:
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
The red dot is location of Currency Creek Arboretum, about halfway between Victor Harbor & Strathalbyn, where we've had 290 mm in the 14 months since Jan 2024 (annual average is 470 mm).
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
The red dot is location of Currency Creek Arboretum, about halfway between Victor Harbor & Strathalbyn, where we've had 290 mm in the 14 months since Jan 2024 (annual average is 470 mm).