PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF EUCALYPTS GROWN IN AMERICA. 73 



Eucalypl us polyantliema. 

 Red Box. 



Characteristics. — This is commonly a medium-sized tree, although 

 it is said occasionally to reach a height of 250 feet in Australia. It is 

 not a rapid grower, and few of the American specimens have attained 

 a diameter of over 1 foot. It commonly sends up a single trunk, but 

 quite frequently several stems arise from the same base. The tree is 

 of a spreading habit, and, with its characteristic foliage and profuse 

 bloom, presents a very pleasing appearance. (PI. XXXVI.) The 

 bark of the trunk and branches is persistent, somewhat furrowed, and 

 grayish in color. 



The leaves, both of the seedlings and of the adult trees, are roundish 

 or broadl} r egg-shaped, and of an ashy or dull green hue on both 

 sides. (See PI. LXXXVII, b.) The bloom is profuse and dainty, the 

 flowers being considerably below average size and arranged in branch- 

 ing clusters. (See PI. LXXI.) The seed cases are somewhat top- 

 shaped and, with their stems, are quite distinctly goblet-shaped. The 

 margins are thin and often indented or split. 



Climatic requirements. — This species thrives under a great variety 

 of climatic conditions. It grows at and near the coast, in the foot- 

 hills, on mountain sides, and in the hot, dry valleys of the interior. 

 It endures minimum temperatures of 15° to 20° F. and maximum tem- 

 peratures of 110° to 118° F. It is one of the few species tested at the 

 Experiment Station farm near Phoenix that has been entirely unin- 

 jured by either the frosts of winter or the heat of summer. There 

 are probably few situations in the Southwest below 3,000 feet eleva- 

 tion in which the tree would not grow. 



Uses. — The timber of this tree is very hard, strong, and durable, 

 being used in Australia for railway ties, for cogs, and for the parts of 

 wheels. It also makes an excellent fuel. Upon account of the pro- 

 fuse bloom appearing at a time when sources of honey are limited, it 

 is a useful tree for bee pasture. Its habit of growth and pleasing- 

 aspect render it a good shade tree. It can also be used as a wind-break 

 in localities where faster growing trees will not endure the climatic 

 conditions. 



Eucalyptus populifolia. 



I'oi'I. IB-LEAVED Box. 



Characteristics. — The tree is one of medium size, resembling con- 

 siderably the preceding species. The bark is wrinkled and more or 

 less furrowed, and is persistent. The Leaves are scattered on rather 

 long stalks, and are roundish or somewhat egg-shaped. They are very 

 shiny and a deep green on both sides. The marginal vein of the leaves 

 is some distance from the edge. The flowers are very small, in clusters 



