74 EUCALYPTS CULTIVATED IN THE UNITED STATES. 



of 3 to 12 on very short stems. The stalks of the flower clusters are 

 rather long and slender, being either single at the base of a leaf stem 

 or in branching groups. The lid of the flower bud is hemispherical. 

 The seed cases are ver^^ small and nearly top-shaped. (See PI. XC.) 



Climatic requirements. — This tree thrives in dry situations in Cal- 

 ifornia, and, judging by its Australian habitat, it could be grown even 

 more successfully in the dr}- interior of the Southwest than its near 

 relative, Eacalyptus jjolyanthem a. 



Uses. — This tree seems not to be sufficiently known either in Aus- 

 tralia or in America to justify an}^ conclusions as to its qualities or 

 uses. It is reported to furnish durable posts, and probably in all its 

 qualities closely resembles Eucalyptus j>olyantliema. 



Eucalyptus punctata. 



Leather-jacket. 



Characteristics.- — The tree is of medium size, attaining in Australia 

 a height of about 100 feet. It has a spreading habit, especially when 

 young, not possessed hj many Eucalypts. The bark is rough and of 

 a dark color, and has a tendency to flake off. The leaves are lance- 

 shaped or sickle-shaped, and thin. (See PI. LXXXVIII, b. ) The under 

 surface is somewhat paler than the upper shiny one. The flowers are 

 above medium size, in clusters of 3 to 10 on rather stiff, flattened stalks. 

 The shape of the seed cases is nearly that of the broad part of an %gg. 



Climatic requirements. — This species thrives at and near the coast, 

 but does not do as well in the dry interior. 



Uses. — The wood of this tree is tough, hard, close-grained, and very 

 durable. It is useful for fence posts, railwa}^ ties, and for the parts 

 of wheels. It also makes an excellent fuel. 



Eucalyptus resinifera. 



Red Mahogany. 



Characteristics. — This is a tree of fair size, when full grown, reach- 

 ing a height of 100 feet. It is usually erect and symmetrical. The 

 bark of the trunk is dark reddish, fibrous, and persistent, resembling 

 oon.siderably that of the Stringy barks. The bark of the branches is 

 more or less deciduous. The wood is a rich, red color resembling true 

 mahogany, and is very heavy. The leaves are slender and usually 

 somewhat curved. (See PI. LXXXVIII, a.) They are somewhat 

 leathery in -texture, and are considerably paler beneath than above. 

 The veins spread like the parts of a feather. The flowers are of about 

 medium size, in clusters of 4 to 10, on a somewhat compressed stalk. 

 The buds are distinctly cream-colored, the lids being conical, with 

 tapering points. The seed cases are cup-shaped or bell-shaped. (See 

 PL LXXIL) 



