Silky Oak. 



(Orites excelsa, R.Br.) 



A description of the timber of " Silky Oak " (Grevillea robusta) applies equally to this 

 timber, for macroscopically there is no difference. The wood of this species, according to the 

 researches of Henry G. Smith, F.C.S., Assistant Curator of this Museum, contains large quantities 

 of succinate of alumina in some instances. It is, however, more frequently placed on the 

 market than G. robusta, and is extensively used in cabinet work, the figure being its chief 

 recommendation in this connection. It is a timber much in request by coachbuilders, and also 

 saddle makers, who assert that it has a capacity for holding nails not possessed by other 

 timbers. It is strong and durable, with a beautiful figure, being suitable for any kind of office 

 or shop fittings, general cabinet or joinery work. If the natural colour is not acceptable it can 

 be stained to any shade without obscuring the grain. The timber of this species may always 

 be distinguished from that of Grevillea robusta by the presence of large quantities of alumina 

 in the ash of the former. 



Description of the Tree. A very tall and stout tree of the brush lands of the 

 coast, with a thin, red, smoothish bark, having a coating of white. Leaves on the 

 flowering branches lanceolate, obtuse or acute, tapering into a rather long petiole, entire 

 or slightly toothed, 4 to 6 inches long, reticulate, shining above, glaucous underneath ; 

 those of the barren branches often larger, toothed or deeply divided into three or five 

 lanceolate toothed lobes. Flowers small in axillary spikes, sessile or nearly so, in pairs 

 within each bract, interrupted shorter than the leaves, usually glabrous, the flowers in 

 distinct pairs. Perianth glabrous, under J inch long. Fruit a follicle, acuminate, about 

 i inch long. Seeds flat, under J inch long. 



Geographical Range. This occurs in the brushes of the North Coast of New South 

 Wales and coast of Queensland. 



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