164 Beefwood 



staminate in terminal slender cylindric spikes i to 4 cm. long, the bracts closely 

 imbricated, the anthers exserted; the pistillate flowers are lateral in dense, sub- 

 globose spikes, on short branches, i to 2 cm. long. The cone-like fruit is globular 

 or oblong, i to 2 cm. in diameter, yellowish brown, the scales corky. The fruit is 

 flattish, broadly winged at the top, oval in outline, about 5 mm. long; the wing is 

 very thin and membranous, prominently i -nerved, pointed at the apex. 



Fig. 121. — Beefwood. 



Beefwood is very hard, strong, close-grained, flesh-colored at first, but turns 

 brown with age; its specific gravity is about 0.93. It is greatly valued for fuel, 

 for which purpose it is largely planted along sandy seashores, where it thrives 

 best. It is also used as a shade tree. 



The generic name is derived from the zoological name of the Cassowary, on 

 account of the resemblance of the branchlets of some of these trees to the feathers 

 of that l)ird. 



