What tree species produce hollows?
Gum trees are the major hollow producers in Victorian forests2, particularly those with ‘Gum’ (smooth) bark. River Red Gum is probably the best known hollow-producer. Manna Gum, Mountain Grey Gum and Swamp Gum are others. As a general rule, species of Symphomyrtus (a sub-genus of Eucalyptus) form hollows more readily than Monocalyptus2 (refer to a reference such as Costermans’4 for the names of eucalypts in this group). Other native tree and shrub species, such as Callitris (native pine), may also produce hollows used by wildlife. Most introduced trees, such as willows, pines, and conifers, do not produce hollows used by Victoria’s wildlife.
