144 ON THE EUCALYPTS OF N.S.W., PART VIII. 



sucker-leaves of E. viminalis are sometimes broadish, and approach 

 the narrower sucker-leaves of E. Gunnii. The amount of pro- 

 trusion of the valves of the fruit is sometimes proposed as a 

 character distinguishing E. viminalis from E. Gunnii, but it 

 must be used in some cases with great caution. Even the 

 characters of texture and venation of leaves seem to break down 

 in some cases, rendering their application difficult. We have 

 specimens from Southern New South Wales which may possibly 

 be the result of hybridization, the parents being E. vimirialis and 

 E. Gunnii. Of course if the hybridization of Eucalypts be 

 admitted as a factor in the variability of the genus, it will go far 

 to explain the variation in such species as E. viminalis and E. 

 Gunnii. 



Both are Ribbony Gums; we would pardon anyone for mistaking 

 them in some localities. E. Gunnii has broader leaves and broad, 

 thin suckers, and more undulating foliage — a character of Gunnii 

 in most of its forms. The fruit-valves of Gunnii are normally 

 but little if ever exserted. They frequent the same situations. 

 They have flowers in 3's (viminalis making fewer departures in 

 this respect than Gunyiii). 



The affinity of E. virninalis to E. Stuartiana is undoubtedly 

 close. The mature leaves of the two species appear to be 

 absolutely identical, those of the suckers being different enough. 

 The late Baron von Mueller was wont to say that he could 

 not distinguish the species without notes on the bark; this may 

 be only a gentle exaggeration to show how closely related these 

 species undoubtedly are. 



