In the heart of the wilds of southwest Australia, the majestic Red Tingle trees, scientifically known as Eυcalyptυs jacksonii, are a testament to nature’s ultimate greatness. These botanical wonders, located in Walpole Nornalυp National Park, are among the state’s tallest inhabited, with bases that can span from υp to a staggering 24 meters in circumference and reach to a height of 75 meters.
These towering giants have exceptionally wide trunks that can measure from υp to 22 meters in circumference, making them an awe-inspiring sight in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Red Tingle trees, known for their characteristic thick hairy roots, are famous not only for their enormous proportions but also for their υniqυe adaptability.
Red Tingle trees, due to their shallow root systems, are often subject to wildfires. These fires, despite their destructive potential, produced an amazing feat: the hollow base. Large cavities form inside these ancient trees, a natural consequence of these recurring fires.
Remarkably, the caves created can be so large that in bygone eras, voyeurs would pose with their cars parked comfortably inside these living giants .
However, parking inside these trees, which have shallow roots and are susceptible to erosion, has long been banned. The survival of the Red Tingle tree, with its remarkable adaptability and special properties, remains a fascinating story.
In the southwest of Australia, where annual rainfall exceeds 1200 mm, these trees can be found on hilltops, holding on tenaciously in this relatively wetter microclimate.
These ancient trees, known as “tingling trees,” can survive more than 9,000 years—a testament to their remarkable resilience in a region prone to wildfires. The name “tingle” is believed to be derived from the Aboriginal name for this remarkable species, paying homage to the Indigenous connection to the land.