DIV. n 



ANGIOSPERMAE 



675 



the only European species. Species of Eucalyptus ( x ) from Australia, especially E. 

 globulus, are commonly planted in Italy, on account of their rapid growth and useful 

 timber. Young plants have opposite, sessile leaves, but older trees bear stalked, 

 sickle-shaped leaves which hang vertically. The shadeless condition of the 

 Australian forests formed by these trees depends in part on this character, but 



FIG. 716. Rhizophora conjugata (J nat. size). 



is partly due to the distance apart of the individual trees. E. amygdalina, which 

 reaches a height of 150 m. and a circumference of 30 m. at the base of the trunk, 

 is one of the largest forest trees known. Psidium guayaxa and some species of 

 Eugenia bear edible fruits ; the former is especially valued. Eugenia caryophyllata 

 (Moluccas) is of economic importance, its unopened flower-buds forming Cloves 

 (Fig. 718). This tree is commonly cultivated in the tropics. In Fig. 718 the 

 inferior ovary, formed of two carpels, is also seen in longitudinal section. 



