227 



DESCRIPTION. 



J. — E. dubia Ettingshausen. 



In Trans, and Proc. N.Z. Inst., xxiii, 283, with Plate xxix, figs. 5 and 5a (1890). 



Following is the original description : — 



E. foliis coriaceis, lineari-lanceolatis, acutis, subfalcatis, integerrimis ; nervatione brochidodroma, 

 nervo primario prominente ; nervis secundariis tenuibus, angulis subacutis exeuntibus, nervo marginali 

 inter se conjunctis ; nervis tertiariis obsoletis 



Locality. — Shag Point (Canterbury Museum). (Ex Coll. Geol. Sun., N.Z. Rep., 1872 ; v. Haast. I.e.) 



The fragment (Fig. 5) from Shag Point belongs undoubtedly to Eucalyptus. It is possible to 

 complete it so as to form a linear lanceolate leaf, which is curved almost like a sickle. The top is partly 

 preserved, and does not become much narrower. As regards the nervation, the primary nerve is strongly 

 pronounced, and bent in accordance with the shape of the leaf. A few of the delicate secondary nerves 

 •are preserved, which start from the primary nerve at scarcely acute angles. The characteristic seam or 

 edge-nerve, which connects the secondary nerves with each other, is also preserved. The last-named 

 nerves can, however, be only observed under the lens with a favourable light (see enlargement, Fig. 5a). 



The species described is most nearly related to Eucalyptus Mitchelli Ett., of the Australian Tertiary 

 Flora, from which it is distinguished by the fact that the top of the leaf narrows only a little, but, as in 

 Eucalyptus, leaves occur in the same species, and even off the same tree and on the same branch, which are 

 pointed and little narrowed at the top, this distinguishing mark carries no weight, and I should have no 

 hesitation in uniting the New Zealand Eucalyptus species of former ages with the Australian species named 

 if more points had been offered for comparison of the nervation, especially of the reticulation, which only 

 in the latter is eminently well preserved ; consequently I must leave the decision if there is a difference in 

 the nervation, to further researches. 



Ettinghausen (Contrib. Tert. Fl. Austral., N.S.W. Pal. 2, 1888, p. 91,.) says its nearest relations are 

 E. oceaniica Ung. of the Tertiary of Europe; E. americana Lesq., of the Tertiary of North America; 

 and E. Mitchelli of the Tertiary of Australia. 



