Cazneaux Tree - SA

The majestic red gums have always appealed to Australians. It was photographer Harold Cazneaux who took a picture of one of these giants, with the walls of Wilpena Pound as background, in May 1937. He regarded it as his most Australian picture and called it the Spirit of Endurance. It won many awards in Australian and International exhibitions.

In May 1941 Cazneaux wrote,
This giant gum tree stands in solitary grandeur on a lonely plateau in the arid Flinders Ranges, South Australia, where it has grown up from a sapling through the years, and long before the shade from its giant limbs ever gave shelter from heat to white men. The passing of the years has left it scarred and marked by the elements - storm, fire, water, - unconquered, it speaks to us from a Spirit of Endurance. Although aged, its widespread limbs speak of a vitality that will carry on for many more years. One day, when the sun shone hot and strong, I stood before this giant in silent wonder and admiration. The hot wind stirred its leafy boughs, and some of the living elements of this tree passed to me in understanding and friendliness expressing The Spirit of Australia.

Cazneaux.
Harold Cazneaux was born in 1878 in New Zealand of Australian parents. He lived in Adelaide until 1904, when he moved to Sydney where he died on 19 June 1953.
Today this famous tree is known simply as the Cazneaux Tree. 'The Spirit of Australia' is now proudly displayed on every Qantas plane.