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Sydney Blue Gum. 



(Eucalyptus saligna, Sm.) 



The inclusion of this species amongst our cabinet timbers might also be challenged by some, 

 as it is rarely so used, but that does not lessen its claims to rank as one, for it possesses a rich, 

 pleasing, red colour, and looks handsome when polished. It is perhaps a shade lighter than 

 Jarrah, and more open in the grain, but it is specifically one of the lightest of the Eucalyptus 

 timbers, much more so than Forest Red Gum, Murray Red Gum, &c. Its introduction in 

 cabinet work is yet a desideratum, but judging from polished specimens in this Museum it 

 should rank as a first-class one for this purpose. Perhaps its non-use is due to fashion, as this 

 is not the age of red timbers, for the king of all such the Cedar is discarded in this day of 

 changing tastes ; but fickle fashion will come again to its own, and may then turn to some of 

 our red timbers. Sydney Blue Gum is a rapid grower, with an even, open-grained texture ; 

 planes, polishes, and turns well. The fact of its being used so extensively in coachbuilding is 

 sufficient evidence of its strength, durability, and reliability, and for the heavier classes of 

 furniture it ought to give every satisfaction. 



Description of the Tree. A tall tree, growing to its greatest height and perfection in 

 the gullies of the coast and mountains. Bark, either smooth, bluish-white with a silvery 

 sheen, or rough at the base, similar to that of E. robusia. " Sucker " leaves alternate, 

 lanceolate. Mature leaves lanceolate, occasionally falcate, drying a bluish green, pale 

 on the underside, intramarginal vein close to the edge ; transverse veins numerous, fine 

 and parallel, slightly oblique. Peduncles axillary, with a few, mostly five to seven, 

 flowers, either on a slender pedicel or almost sessile. Calyx turbinate or conical. 

 Operculum hemispherical, shortly acuminate. Ovary flat-topped. Fruit hemispherical, 

 about 3 lines in diameter, rim thin, valves very slender and well exserted. 



Geographical Range. Southern parts of Queensland to Port Jackson, New South 

 Wales. 



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