OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2007

Place:    Mulberry Tree, Kangaroo island

Threat:  Destruction by Vandals and Detwerioration due to Neglect, Drought and Age

   Photo © P Macnamara

Significance: 

The Old Mulberry Tree is South Australia's first and oldest living European tree.  It is situated at historic Reeves Point, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, where the State's first Colonists stepped ashore on 27 July 1836.  The Mulberry Tree was planted soon after and survives and bears fruit at 170 years of age..

Description of Threat: 

The Old Mulberry Tree, at 170 years of age, has become fragile with limbs held together by large chains and a prop.  There is uncertainty by experts about the level of intervention needed to best protect the tree from destruction by vandals and deterioration due to drought, lack of shelter and its old age.

Action Required: 

A scientific study is required to determine ways to prevent further deterioration of the tree from dying limbs and to promote new growth.  The area also needs to be more visitor friendly to prevent trampling and soil disturbance.  Shelter could be provided to protect the tree from salty winds.  Better promotion and interpretation of the trees historic significance is desired and further propagation from cuttings could be used to create a grove of mulberry trees in the lead up to the 175th anniversary of the tree in July 2011.