Camden Town Farm

The Camden White Gum (Eucalyptus benthamii), also known as Nepean River Gum or Durrum-by-ang, is a majestic eucalyptus species native to the alluvial flats of the Nepean River and its tributaries in New South Wales, Australia.

This medium-sized evergreen tree can grow up to 35-40 meters tall with a spreading crown and smooth, white bark that sheds in ribbons. Its lance-shaped leaves and small white flowers, blooming in groups of seven in April and May, make it a distinctive part of the local ecosystem.

How did it get here?

Flooding plays a critical role in spreading Camden white gum seeds by carrying them along the Nepean River and its tributaries, depositing them on alluvial flats where they can germinate and establish new populations. The seed for this tree, and its nearby but unrelated friends,  likely floated in during the floods of 2022.

Named in honor of Dr. George Bentham, a key figure in documenting Australia’s flora, the Camden White Gum was once a common sight along the Nepean River near Camden. However, it is now classified as a vulnerable species under both the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 due to significant habitat loss.

Ecological and Cultural Significance
The Camden White Gum plays a critical role in the ecological community of the Nepean River. It supports biodiversity by providing habitat and food for native wildlife. The tree is also culturally significant, known as Durrum-by-ang to the Aboriginal people of the area, who have long valued its presence in the landscape.

Urban development, agricultural clearing, and the construction of the Warragamba Dam in 1933, which flooded large areas of its habitat, have drastically reduced its population. Today, only a few populations remain, primarily in the Kedumba Valley of the Blue Mountains National Park and Bents Basin State Recreation Area, with scattered trees around Camden, Cobbitty, and Nattai National Park.

Conservation Efforts
Efforts to save the Camden White Gum are underway, with projects like the Connecting Camden White Gum initiative leading the charge. This collaborative project, involving Camden Council, the CSIRO Australian Tree Seed Centre, and other partners, has secured funding through the NSW Government’s Greening Our City program. In 2021, 500 genetically diverse Camden White Gum seedlings were planted along the Nepean River at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve to bolster the species’ population and enhance urban tree cover.

The CSIRO has also established a clonal seed orchard at its Black Mountain site in Canberra, growing miniature genetic copies of wild Camden White Gums to produce high-quality seeds. These efforts have resulted in over 500 seedlings being reintroduced to Camden, with the goal of ensuring the species’ long-term survival and genetic diversity. In 2023, the project won a Local Government in NSW Excellence in the Environment Award.

Community involvement is a key part of these efforts, with tree-planting events allowing residents to contribute to the species’ recovery and raise awareness about its importance.

Why It Matters
The Camden White Gum is more than just a tree—it’s a symbol of resilience and a vital part of Camden’s natural and cultural heritage. Its conservation helps combat urban heat, enhances biodiversity, and preserves a species at risk of extinction. By planting these trees, communities are not only cooling their suburbs but also ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and ecological benefits of this iconic species.

Additionally, the Camden White Gum’s frost tolerance and adaptability make it valuable for international plantations in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and the USA, where it is used for pulpwood and other resources. This global use provides a backup genetic resource, complementing local conservation efforts.