The beginning of a blackbutt hollow on a marri tree (Corymbia calophylla).
When fire burns severely it can sometimes 'kill' the bark, even on hardy fire-adapted Eucalypts. This causes a loss of integrity and will fall away, like we can see here. Now the trunk is exposed without bark on this side. The tree will generate another bark layer, but until it does, it will be subject to insect attack and other issues.
These blackbutts are now more susceptible to damage from fire. Over the years as repeated fires effect the area, the hollow will become bigger, and fire can get 'into' the tree rather than just burning the bark, and they can burn from the inside out. We call these trees "chimneys." You will see what looks to be a normal, un-burnt tree, but it's billowing smoke out the top - because it's burning internally.
This is a giant marri blackbutt is completely burned out underneath (6'3" friend for scale)!
From beneath. By the way, this tree is still alive!
Everyday it’s over 40°C (104° in freedom units for you bald eagles out there) I feel more and more like Remus Lupin. That man would hate the heat and I stand by it.
Shoutout to the ppl in Marrickville who've been holding a 24/7 picket in front of albo's office for more than a week now (come rain, hail or shine). Gazans are telling you that this is how you effectively protest, they want to see this everywhere. If you're in NSW pls join them!
The lush green is the species Acacia pulchella, an obligate seeder, which is a plant that is killed by fire and must recruit via seeds - in this case, lying dormant in the soil seed bank. It requires high soil heating temperatures from fire (~80-120°C) to break dormancy and trigger germination. This strategy allows the species to persist in a fire prone environment, and take advantage of the excellent post-fire conditions of increased nutrients from burned biomass, increased light availability, and reduced competition.