47 



CHARACTER AND USES OF VARIOUS SPECIES OF EUCALYPTUS 



IN AUSTRALIA. 



E. acmenoides, Schau. White mahogany. 



A medium-sized tree occasionally reaching a height of 100 feet 

 and a diameter of 5 feet; usually smaller. Grows well on well 

 drained sterile hills. 



Wood tough, strong and very hard. One of the most durable 

 timbers, posts in Australia having lasted for over 50 years. Used 

 for posts, piles, girders and general building purposes. Makes 

 excellent ties. On account of the gum it contains, it is not a good 

 saw timber. 



E. amygdalina, Labill. Messmate Peppermint gum. 



A variety of this tree or a distinct allied species (E. regnans) 

 is one of the tallest trees in the world, reaching a height of 325 

 feet or more, and a diameter of 15 feet or more. The tree does 

 not endure dry heat, but can stand much wind. Not fastidious as 

 to soil requirements, making good growth even on poor soils. 



The wood is not valued for fuel and does not last- well under 

 ground. It is not very strong, splits very readily and warps and 

 twists in drying. Used for shingles, fence rails and planking. 



The tree exhales a delicious aroma supposed to have salubrious 

 qualities. It is frequently planted on sanitarium and hospital 

 grounds. 



E. bicolor, A. Cunn. Black box. 



A tree rarely 100 to 150 feet high, but usually only a shrub. 

 Uses of wood unknown. 



E. botryoides, Sm. Bastard mahogany. 



A tree 75 to 100 feet high. Grows very rapidly while young. 

 Does not do well in dry climates. 



Wood durable under ground. Timber of doubtful quality, 

 used for felloes, posts and shingles. 



E. calophylla, R. Br. Orange-flowered gum. 



Exceptionally a very large tree, 110 feet high and 10 feet in 

 diameter. Usually very much smaller. 



Wood not durable under ground and hence unfit for posts. 



