Mysterious leaking tree leaves Perth residents stumped

A mysterious weeping gum tree in Perth's southern suburbs has locals stumped and arborists scratching their heads.

The eucalypt, on a verge in Palmyra, started gushing water four days ago and only stopped once the Water Corporation intervened.

The tree started weeping on Good Friday which sparked jokes amongst locals about divine intervention.

People from around the suburb and further afield have flocked to the tree to witness the surprising sight.

Jacqui Bacich lives four doors away from the weeping gum.

“What made it exciting yesterday a man decided to take all his clothes off and have a shower” she said.

“We’ve had hundreds of people stop here, we’ve even had people try to pray here.”

But the explanation came not from above but from underground.

The Water Corporation says the gum tree's roots had wrapped around an iron water pipe about a foot underground.

The pipe cracked some time ago spilling water and slowly filling a hollow part of the tree’s trunk.

On Friday the water started spraying out of an opening in a lopped-off branch and didn’t stop until technicians cut and capped the pipe.

But not before the tree captured the imagination of locals.

The Melville council will inspect the tree to make sure it’s safe to remain on the verge.