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Tree Information x

Identifier: AR/1007
Tree Type: Single
Registered By: Cadwallader, B.G.
Registration Category: Historic tree/s – Local interest
General Notes:


 x
This early Edwardian property, formerly known as 'Hounslow', has a very interesting botanical, social and political history that goes back to the early days of European settlement in Auckland. The land was first settled by John Edgerley in 1843. Edgerley had been a gardener and botanist for Lieutenant Thomas McDonnell R.N. (Retired), who had been appointed an additional British Resident in New Zealand at the time. Edgerley established a nursery here until the time of his death in 1849. John Edgerley is notable for his introduction of Norfolk Island pine to New Zealand (see record NR/0734).
This tree is thought to be one of the first generation dawn redwood specimens in New Zealand. The owner of the property at the time, Dr. Lindsay Robert Kidd G.P., was on the board of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and many other horticultural societies . He was a friend of notable plantsmen such as Sir Russell Mathews at 'Tupare' in New Plymouth and William Douglas Cook at 'Eastwoodhill' near Gisborne.
It is through this association with these individuals that it is thought that Kidd obtained this tree. W.D. Cook was known to have supplied a number of specimens to other keen horticulturists that he knew (See GR/0707 and TR/0711).
The tree was the only dawn redwood recorded in the 1971 'Historic and Notable Trees of New Zealand: Northland and Auckland' Burstall survey. The author noted the tree to be "prominently sited and the finest of this species seen in Auckland" (Cadwallader, B.G. 2012).
References:
'The History of 74 Gillies Ave' Donati, N. and Waite, P. (2010) View full historical notes
Burstall, S.W., New Zealand Forest Service, Forest Research Institute, Mensuration Report No. 16 1971 (unpublished), page 59.
'A New Zealand Survey of Metasequoia glyptostroboides' Cadwallader B.G. 2009

Single Tree Details

Genus: Metasequoia
Species: glyptostroboides
Common names: dawn redwood, shui-shan, water fir
Height: 17.00m
Height measurement method: Clinometer - SUUNTO
Height Comments: (none)
Girth: 290 cm
Girth measurement height: 1.3 m
Girth Comments: (none)
Diameter: 92.3 cm
Crown Spread A: 18.00m
Crown Spread B: 18.00m
Avg. Crown Spread: 18.00m
Actual Planting Date: actual date not specified
Approx. Planting Date:
e.g. circa. 1860
Current Age: not known years
Tree Health Description: The tree is in good health (2008).
Tree Form Type: Single Trunk
Number of Trunks: 1
Tree Form Comments: (none)
Champion Tree Score: 185
Local Protection Status: No
Tree Present: Yes
STEM Score: 0

Observations

Date Observer Action
30 Nov 2008 Benton, C.

Location

Lat/Long: -36.87408073838726 / 174.7738927602768
Location Name: Kiddmore
Address: 74 Gillies Avenue
Suburb: Epsom
City/Town: Auckland
Region: Auckland
Location Description: Clearly visible near the front of the property.
Public Accessibility: Urban-Residential
Local Authority: Auckland Council

Images

Preview Credit Date
Chris Benton 30 Nov 2008
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