80 



Myrtles, 



1. Angophora lanceolata (Smooth Barked Apple). 



2. Tristania conferta (Brush Box). 



3. Melaleuca leucadendron (Broad-leaved Tea-tree). 



4. Syncarpia laurifolia (Turpentine). 



Angophora lanceolata, Cav. 



THE SMOOTH-BARKED APPLE. 



Botanical Name. It is from two Greek words signifying " vessel 

 bearing" in allusion to the fruits; but its meaning does not imply anything 

 particularly characteristic, as it would be equally appropriate if applied to 

 those of the Eucalypts. The specific name lanceolata is in allusion to the 

 shape of the leaves, but these vary in width somewhat. 



Vernacular Names. Sydney workmen know it best by the name of Eed 

 Gum ; but, as this name has been appropriated, over vast areas, by a different 

 tree (Eucalyptus rostrata), it may be well to leave 'the latter in undisputed 

 possession, reserving for A. lanceolata the appropriate designation of the 

 " Smooth-barked Apple-tree," the only objection to which is its length. The 

 smooth bark is not perfectly white in colour, but of a uniform yellowish-red 

 tint ; hence two of its names, " Orange Gum " and " Rusty Gum." Hardly 

 at any period of the year will you see one of these trees unstained with kino, 

 which frequently exudes in considerable quantity, and every bit shows up 

 on. the pale-coloured, smooth bark. These stains being of an orange or 

 rusty colour, have intensified the appropriateness of the designations just 

 alluded to. Because it is common on the Blue Mountains, it sometimes 

 goes by the name of " Mountain Apple-tree," but as often as not it is simply 

 called " Apple." 



Flowers. Note the delicate petals in these flowers. The closely allied 

 Eucalypts have no petals. 



Mr. Cambage pointed out to me that there is indiarubber in Angophora 

 lanceolata leaves, which I confirmed. It is common enough in the closely- 

 related " Cormybosse " section of the genus Eucalyptus. 



Timber. As might have been expected with such a free yielder of kino,, 

 the timber of this tree is liable to gum-veins ; in fact, it is difficult to get a 

 piece of any size from them. Nevertheless it is a useful timber, strong and 

 heavy, and used for naves of wheels, flooring-boards, slabs, rough buildings, 

 and fuel. 



The plant tissue of this tree possesses a wonderful power of accommo- 

 dating its shape, or rather the direction of its growth, to the rocky ground 

 on which it is usually found. Thus we find the base of the tree often flat- 

 tened out, and following the course of obstacles, reminding one of a gigantic 

 candle placed on a surface sufficiently warm to soften the wax or fat, which 

 then, by the weight of the candle, moulds itself into shapes determined by 

 the obstacles it encounters. The comparison is a homely one, and it is only 

 intended to refer to the plastic appearance, not, of course, the result of heat 

 in any way in the case of the tree. 



