EXOTIC TIMBERS 121 



Eucalyptus polyanthemos, or "red box," is a good shade tree of 

 medium height. It stands considerable frost and drought, and yields a 

 good, strong wood. It does well in the timber plantations at Vereeniging. 



Eucalyptus resinifera, or " forest mahogany " or " mahogany gum," 

 is a valuable timber tree to grow in localities where frosts and droughts 

 are not severe. It produces a good, all-round timber like jarrah. The 

 tree is grown in the Cape Province to provide timber for sleepers, which 

 implies durability. 



Eucalyptus rostrata, or " red gum," produces valuable, durable wood. 

 It stands drought, heat, brak, and a good deal of frost. This is the only 

 Eucalypt producing good timber, that will grow on brak lands. 



Eucalyptus tereticornis scarcely differs from Eucalyptus rostrata, but 

 is generally straighter and better grown than the latter. 



Eucalyptus microcorys, or " tallow wood," produces a first-class 

 timber, among the Eucalypt timbers second only to that of the iron- 

 barks. It is used for railway sleepers, and wheelwright work. Being 

 greasy, and not so liable to split as other Eucalypt timbers, it is 

 easier to season. The tree is quick growing, but is suited only to warm, 

 humid districts. 



Eucalyptus corynocalyx, or "sugar gum," is a good timber tree which 

 flourishes in a climate of scanty winter rains. It is one of the best gums 

 for the drier, western districts, being easy to raise but tender to frost. 



Eucalyptus diversicolor, or " karri," is quick growing, but is not 

 hardy against drought or frost. It produces a valuable timber, which 

 is used for beams, trucks, deckings for jetties, etc. Karri and jarrah 

 are nearly fire-proof, and are used in buildings on that account. Karri 

 is grown largely near the coast, for example at Port Elizabeth and 

 Tokai. 



Eucalyptus marginata, or "jarrah," is one of the most esteemed 

 timber trees among the Eucalypts. It has, so far, never been grown 

 successfully in South Africa, but is mentioned here because imported 

 jarrah is in common use. 



Eucalyptus globulus, or " blue gum," yields a useful wood which, 

 however, is inferior in strength and durability to that of many other 

 kinds of Eucalypts. The tree should not be planted in very cold or 

 dry localities. The timber requires special care in Reasoning, and 

 should be cut up into scantlings within one week after the tree has 

 been felled. It is used to some extent in waggon building, and for 



