no 



DESCRIPTION. 



CXL. E. rubida Deane and Maiden. 



Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. xxiv, 456 (1899), with Plate xl. 



Vernacular Names. — Known as "Flooded Guni " at Queanbeyan. Michelago. Cooma; 

 sometimes known as " Bastard White Gum," " Ribbony Gum," and " Drooping Gum." The name 

 '" Candle-bark "' in use in the Queanbevan district is in reference to its smooth and glaucous trunk : it is 

 very~descriptive of the tree as seen in much of its range, and might be adopted for the vernacular, as the 

 others are ahead ^appropriated. It has usually reddish or plum-coloured patches on the bark, hence the 

 occasional name of " SpottedJGum." Sometimes the bark is. however, of a yellowish cast (the tips of the 

 Twigs being also'yellowish). andfhence between Goulburn and Moss Yale, it is one of the trees known in the 

 di>trict as " Yellow Gum." We have also noticed the species to have a yellowish bark between Delegate 

 and Bombala, while a label in the National Herbarium. Melbourne, shows that the species at St. Vincent's 

 Gulf, S.A.. is also known as "' Yellow Gum." 



Bark. — Perfectly smooth for the most part, the outer layer of bark falling off in ribbons. The 

 " bole and limbs verv white, as if whitewashed " (A. W. Howitt, referring to Gippsland trees). The name 

 '■ Candle-bark " is also excellentlv descriptive of the appearance of the bark in the most southern parts 

 of this Colony and in north-eastern Yictoria. 



It frequently exhibits reddish or plum-coloured patches (hence the specific name) : this is a colour 

 rarely, if ^ver. seen in E. vimiiwlis. Sometimes [e.g.. Adamiuaby to Cooma) the colour of the bark, 

 especiallyjofjthe branches, mav be described as pale pink. We have already referred to the yellowish cast 

 of the bark inTwidely different localities. 



In the ease'of a species having such an extended range, it is not surprising that the bark shows some 

 variation. For example, the trees about Sunnv Corner show perhaps a rougher (more flaky) bark at the 

 butt than is usual in many other localities, but neither here nor anywhere else is such rough bark ever of a 

 fibrous character. 



Under E. Stuartiana, in the Enculyjjlographia. the following remarks occur : — " It is possible that 

 in this species™a smooth-barked variety occurs, as would appear exceptionally to be the case according 

 to the notes of several collectors." We do not doubt that E. rubida is here referred to, and the 

 reasonableness of the confusion with E. Stuartiana is referred to below. 



Timber. — Red worthless timber: dries paler. 



Sucker Lea\es.— From nearly orbicular to nearly oblong, often emarginate or retuse, eventually 

 taking on a la -hape. The midrib usually terminating in a short and fine point. Strictly opposite ; 



i-clasping and even more or less connate. Very glaucous as a general rule. 



Mature Leaves.— Dull green: of similar tint on both sides; narrow lanceolate, of thiekish texture 

 and hence largely concealing the oil-dots, the intramarginal vein scarcely removed from the edge, the 

 primary veins roughly transverse. Often glaucous, sometimes very much so. Spherical brachyscelid 

 palls are sometimes found on the leaves. 



Hurls.— Ovoid, axillary: in threes and cruciform: sessile or with very short stalklets; the stalks 

 monly under + g, round, rarely flattened, and then only towards the insertion of the buds. 



Operculum. — Nearly hemispherical when ripe, hardly pointed : rather shorter than the calyx ; 

 id when less ripe. 



Mimics all fertile and infle* ted in the bud, anthers ovate-oblong, with parallel distinct cells. 



Fruit. T.. | -shaped; spreading at the orifice. Usually about three lines in diameter. Sometime* 

 nearly hemispher - [,y or glaucous. The rim broadiBh and convex. Valve* three "i four and 



rted. 



