iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

A sundew bug (Setocoris sp.) on the leaf of a pale sundew (Drosera gunniana) at Currency Creek Arboretum. Sundew bugs are klepto-commensals, feeding on insects caught by the sticky drops on the leaves on the sundews, while somehow not getting caught themselves.

0162

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

How good are peacock spiders! We found this tiny Maratus literatus (lettered peacock spider), jumping around in the grass at the arboretum yesterday. You can find all our spider observations from the arboretum on iNaturalist here: www.inaturalist.org/observations...

1183

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Thank you to the 285 people who visited the arboretum over the weekend, braving unusually vicious mozzies on both days and a short torrential downpour on the Sunday. A big thanks to @eucalyptaus.bsky.social for again supporting our open days as part of National Eucalypt Day.

0151

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

We're ready to go for our biannual open days this weekend (12 & 13 Sept 2026). See the world's largest living collection of eucalypt species (over 800 species!). Free entry and guided tours. Books and rare/unusual eucalypt seedlings for sale on the day. Details here: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...

0134

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Lots of species now coming into flower at the arboretum. Here's just a few I photographed yesterday. Our spring open days are now just two weeks away - 12 & 13 Sept 2026. This is your last chance to visit this year. Open day details & tour times: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...

06513

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The 'Trephina Gorge Ghost Gum' in central Australia, photographed by me in 2013 (top) and 13 yrs later in 2026 by my aunt Jill Dunn (bottom). Note the sapling of the same species on the right of each image - it has tripled in size over the same period despite growing in identical conditions.

0151

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Less than a month to go until the Spring 2026 Currency Creek Arboretum open days! Weekend of 12 & 13 September 2026. See the world's greatest diversity of eucalypt species growing on the one site. Free and suitable for all ages. Open day details and tour times: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...

dn.com.au

Open Days at Currency Creek Arboretum

CCA open days

084

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

A spectacular unnamed eucalypt species restricted to eastern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. These photos were all taken near Elim Beach, where it grows on massive, vegetated sand dunes, as a large tree in the swales and mallee-like on the dune crests.

The spectacular orange flowers of the new species.

Trees to 20 metres tall of the new species.

A seedling of the new species. Note the tiny spider on the leaf.

Elim Beach. Note the massive dunes of colourful sands and sandstone in the background, where the new species is prevalent.

14411

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

An outstanding river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) currently* growing in the east parklands of Adelaide, South Australia. It is 6.60 metres in trunk girth at chest height, 27 m tall, and having an average canopy spread of 27.5 m. I'd estimate it to be between 150 and 300 years old.

1126

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

The finest specimen of a kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) that I've ever seen! On Chudleigh Park Station in the central north of Queensland. The deeply 3-lobed leaves suggest this is the northern subspecies, B. populneus subsp. trilobus.

0170

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

A 505 mm x 170 mm leaf from a Eucalyptus ptychocarpa tree planted in Malanda, FNQ. Some of the buds on this tree appeared engorged by insect larvae. I'm wondering if they are fig wasp larvae that erroneously picked a euc instead of a fig - Can any entomologists out there provide any insight?

An engorged flower bud from the tree, cut open to reveal tiny insect larvae.

Close-up of an engorged flower bud from the tree, cut open to reveal tiny insect larvae.

2195

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Hot off the press! - The second edition of 'Native Eucalypts of South Australia'. For more info and to order direct from me: www.dn.com.au/Eucalypts_of... The book includes all 102 eucalypt species & subspecies native to South Australia. Proudly printed in Adelaide and bound in Melbourne.

0124

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

A row of 30-yr-old Eucalyptus dawsonii at Currency Creek Arboretum, with symptoms of 'ginger syndrome' caused by ongoing drought stress. The 3rd photo is the same row of trees in 2019, before the record dry conditions here. Note their pale-coloured trunks, typical of healthy trees of the species.

Row of 30-year-old Eucalyptus dawsonii (slaty box) trees in May 2026.

Trunk of a 30-year-old Eucalyptus dawsonii (slaty box) tree in May 2026, showing symptoms of 'ginger syndrome'.

Row of the same Eucalyptus dawsonii (slaty box) trees in June 2019.

0144

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

You gotta love a lerp! Lerps are the intricate protective cover secreted by tiny insects called psyllids. They are often maligned as ‘pests’ when they are actually a really important part of an area’s biodiversity. This one was found on a planted Eucalyptus botryoides in St Kilda, Victoria.

4305

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

That wraps up another rewarding open weekend at the arboretum, with nearly 400 visitors of all ages joining us amongst the eucalypts. Thanks for everyone who joined us! We'll do it all again on 12 & 13 Sept 2026, when hopefully everything is looking a bit greener and lots more is in flower.

0133

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Setting up for the open days this weekend (Sat 28 & Sun 29 March 2026). We have some new posters and signs on about 100 of the >800 eucalypt species growing here. Open both days 9am to 4:30pm and tours with me start at 10am & 2pm. Hope some of you can make it along! www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...

At the introduction poster. We have planted 820 of the 840 known species of eucalypts at the arboretum.

Annett at the bird poster. We have now recorded 98 bird species at the arboretum.

Eucalyptus conferruminata subsp. 'Cape Arid' (Cape Arid marlock)

Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon-scented gum).

0104

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

In the field at Currency Creek Arboretum sampling eucalypt leaves with researchers from the School of Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences at the Uni of Melbourne. We got to test the new pole pruner to sample the taller trees - reaches to about 9 m!

Sampling leaves of Eucalyptus sp. Woodsreef (an unnamed species from NSW) at Currency Creek Arboretum.

Sampling leaves of Eucalyptus brevistylis (Rate's tingle) at Currency Creek Arboretum.

The new pole pruner, used for sampling leaves up to 9 m high at the arboretum.

0132

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

A large sugar gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) in the parklands of Adelaide, between the tee and target on a disc golf 'hole'. The trunk facing the tee is heavily marked by frisbee impacts, but there's no long-term damage to the tree. It's a great example of trees and recreation/sport coexisting. 1/2

1172

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Less than 3 weeks to go until our biannual open days at Currency Creek Arboretum in SA! See the most diverse collection of living eucalypts in the world and learn all about them at one of the free guided tours on the day. Sat 28 & Sun 29 March 2026. Details: www.dn.com.au/Currency_Cre...

1135

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

This video at our arboretum water trough in February (ignore the date stamp) shows how crowded it gets on a hot day during record dry conditions. New Holland, white-plumed, brown-headed and black-chinned (centre of frame) honeyeaters, little wattlebirds and willie wagtails.

1153

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Last weekend's rain was forecast to break records in SA and Vic, and although it did in some areas, we only recorded 23 mm at Currency Creek Arboretum. Lucked out this time!

080

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

A fascinating two days with the dedicated crew of Gardening Australia, filming two segments with the wonderful Sophie Thomson. One will focus on the impacts of climate change at Currency Creek Arboretum, the other will highlight our backyard pool-to-pond conversion. Both will air later in the year.

2417

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

I know it's only a prediction based on modelling, but it's difficult not to get excited about the massive rainfall event forecast through drought-stricken parts of SA and Vic over the next week. 50+ mm would be a literal life-saver for so many species at the arboretum.

BOM is suggesting total forecast rainfall >50 mm (over 8 days from today) for much of SA and Vic.

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is suggesting 95 mm (over 5 days from Friday to Tuesday) for the arboretum.

The BOM text forecast is for 2 to 72 mm (over 4 days from Friday to Monday), which is a bit of a worry...

24 month rainfall for the south of SA (including at the arboretum) is still 'Lowest on record'.

182

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Whilst much of Australia floods, rainfall in parts of southern SA and Vic is still 'lowest on record' over the last 2 years. And haven't had a drop of rain since November at the arboretum. reg.bom.gov.au/climate/maps...

4148

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

The arboretum reached 'peak eucalypt diversity' in early 2024, when we had 95% of all euc species growing (820 of the 840 known species). Since then, we've lost 50 to 100 species due to 'drought'. With runaway anthropogenic climate change, we're unlikely to ever reach those Feb 2024 numbers again.

Table summarising the number of eucalypt species growing at Currency Creek Arboretum.

Screenshot from BOM indicating rainfall deciles in South Australia over 24 months to December 2025.

32513

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Another drier than average year, after last year's rainfall being the lowest on record for parts of SA. And now, just to top it off, we're going for the driest summer on record... www.weatherzone.com.au/news/after-b...

weatherzone.com.au

After bone-dry January, Adelaide faces low summer rainfall record

Adelaide has had no rainfall to date in January 2026 after just 2.8mm in December and faces a record dry summer.

12810

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

Variole paropsine beetle larvae chewing a few leaves on a Eucalyptus mckieana sapling at Currency Creek Arboretum. Pretty cool critters at this life-stage, but I'm hoping to see them as adult beetles, when they become much more endearing! See: www.inaturalist.org/taxa/746677-...

1204

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

New article on 'Hybridisation and Species Boundary in Eucalypts'. It focuses on 1) Phantom hybrids & 2) The Eucalyptus globulus species complex. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... Photos are of 'The Mallacoota Gum', a phantom hybrid of E. cypellocarpa and E. pseudoglobulus.

1164

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

The 'Forest Lodge Tree', an impressively tall river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in the upper Glenelg River catchment in the heart of Gariwerd / The Grampians. I laser-measured this tree at 48 m tall, 7.3 m in trunk girth at chest height, and 26 m in average canopy diameter.

1162

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

The 'Faraway Tree' at Moot Yang Gunya Swamp in Mundulla (south-west of Bordertown) in South Australia. I measured this massive river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) last week at 8.77 metres in trunk girth at chest height, 41 m tall, and 31 metres in average canopy spread.

2538

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Any South Aussies looking for real-time Fire Behaviour Index data on a map? This page is great for ugly days like today: sapaging.com/ffdi_map You can also click on any ‘spot’ to get current & recent FBI, temps, wind gusts, humidity etc.

sapaging.com

SApaging.com Forest Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) map for South Australia. Fire Danger Rating

South Australian CFS,MFS,SES,SAAS,MEDStar paging feeds

064

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

A outstanding specimen of Eucalyptus woodwardii (lemon-flowered gum) growing in the wild. It's one of 173 types of eucalypts that occur naturally in the WA goldfields, and one of 46 species that occur naturally nowhere else in the world. More info: www.dn.com.au/Eucalypts_of...

0319

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

After decades of research, our new book on the eucalypts of WA's goldfields has finally arrived! Designed, compiled and printed in Australia. Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks of this one. For more information, sample pages and to order: www.dn.com.au/Eucalypts_of...

05216

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

𝐄𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 Malcolm French and I are delighted to introduce our newest book, to be released next week! It includes all 173 different eucalypts from the WA goldfields, including many iconic species (gimlets, salmon gum, coral gum, the 'minniritchi' mallees, etc).

Cover of our new book, to be released next week (in the first week of December 2025).

A typical goldfields landscape, with the iconic 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘴 (gimlet).

The area covered by this book. It includes the Great Western Woodlands and the WA section of the Great Victoria Desert. A total of 173 eucalypt species and subspecies occur in the WA goldfields.

Sample page-spread for 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘪 (lemon-flowered gum).

2183

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

The new BOM site is a shemozzle. Dumbed-down information and impossible to find actual weather data. A massive step backwards for such an important service.

105215

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

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...

092

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

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...

083

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

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...

1217

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

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)

0164

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

"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...

23615

Reposted by Dean Nicolle

Eucalypt Australia @eucalyptaus.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Discover the wildlife that call eucalypt hollows home in this stunning poster series by Paula Peeters! 🌳 Now featuring 4 ecosystems, incl. the new WA Wheatbelt Woodland. Explore + order here: paperbarkwriter.com/12967-2 #LoveAGum #TreeHollowThursday

0197

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

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!

1375

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

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).

311214

Dean Nicolle @deannicolle1.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

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...

1203