The River Red Gum is one of Australia’s most iconic plant species. This tough-as-nails tree usually grows along riverbanks, but also flourishes in drier environments because of its vast root system. During times of drought or in dry conditions, the River Red Gum tunnels its roots deep into the earth to find water underground to help it survive.

Beyond the possums and parrots that dwell in its hollows and branches, the River Red Gum also provides habitat to aquatic species. When a River Red Gum dies and its branches fall into a nearby waterway, they attract many fish, yabbies, galaxiids and platypuses that like to hide and lay their eggs among the debris.