110 



DESCRIPTION. 



CXI. E. rubida Dean e and Maider. 



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



Vei'nacnlar Names. — Known as "Flooded Gum" at Queanbeyaii, Michelago, Cooma; 

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

 ' Candle-bark " in use in the Queanbeyan 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 already appropriated. It has usually reddish or plum-coloured patches on the bark, hence the 

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

 twigs being also yellowish), and hence between Goulburn and Moss Vale, it is one of the trees known in the 

 district 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." 



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

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

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

 of this Colony and in north-eastern Victoria. 



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

 rarely, if ever, seen in E. viminaUs. Sometimes (e.g.. Adaminaby to Cooma) the colour of the bark, 

 especially ofjthe branches, may be described as pale pink. We have already referred to the yellowish cast 

 of the bark inTwidely different localities. 



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

 variation. For example, the trees about Sunny 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 Eucalyptographia, 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. 



Timb61V — Red worthless timber: dries paler. 



Slicker Leaves. — From nearly orbicular to nearly oblong, often emarginate or retuse, eventually 

 taking on a lanceolate shape. The midrib usually terminating in a short and fine point. Strictly opposite ; 

 sometimes stem-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 thickish 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 

 galls are sometimes found on the leaves. 



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

 commonly under \ inch long, round, rarely flattened, and then only towards the insertion of the buds. 



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

 conoid when less ripe. 



Statu 6S all fertile and inflected in the bud, anthers ovate-oblong, with parallel distinct cells. 



Fruit.- — Top-shaped; spreading at the orifice. Usually about three lines in diameter. Sometimes 

 nearly hemispherical. Shiny or glaucous. The rim broadish and convex. Valves three or four and 

 exserted. 



