162 



Oldfield observes that from the abundance of essential oil this species contains, 

 it is killed down to the ground by the periodical fires, when other plants are only a little 

 scorched, and is thus generally to be found only in an untidy ragged, scrubby form, 

 but he has seen dead stems of 25 feet. 



In 1906, Dr. Diels (translation herewith) wrote : — 



" Of the species with juvenile characters E. tetragona (R.Br.) F.v.M. is one of the most conspicuous, 

 if observed typically. I have frequently observed this shrub in the south-eastern part of the south-west 

 province of Australia, from Stirling Range to Esperance Bay, in sandy heathy country. One gets the 

 best impression of its appearance if one calls to one's mind the juvenile form of E. globulus, so common in 

 gardens in Europe; the branches are remarkably strongly quadrangular, dusted over with white or bluish- 

 white, the leaves are opposite, thick, ovate-lanceolate to ovate, or rarely orbicular, also strongly 

 glaucous." (L. Diels, J ugendformen und Blutenreife, p. 94.) 



After travelling amongst a good deal of it, I published the following note 

 in 1911 :— 



" The seedlings have the leaves decussate, glandular and glandular-hairy on branches and along 

 margins of leaves, and also- on the backs of the midribs. The branches are very square and the whole plant 

 reeks with oil. 



The leaves when young always stalked (flattened stalked) and the young foliage is plum-coloured. 



It is a shrub, always straggly, sometimes attaining a height of 10 feet. It is known as ' White 

 Marlock,' and is a striking object. 



Owing to the dazzling whiteness of the plants, the cream coloured flowers are by no means conspicuous, 

 neither are they large. The colour of the filaments is cream, the anthers are small, and the stamens are in 

 bundles (Eudesmice). 



It is common from Hopetoun to near Ravensthorpe, also common on the Kalgan Plains." (Journ. 

 W.A. Nat. Hist. Soc, Vol. III.) 



I also found it at Esperance. It is not always opposite-leaved; it is very 

 frequently alternate. 



SYNONYMS. 



1. Eudesmia tetragona R.Br. 



2. Eucalyptus pleurocarpa ^chauer. 

 1. Eudesmia. 



Following is a translation of the Latin original : — Myrtacese, between Eucalyptus and Angophora. 



Generic characters. — Calyx superior, 4-toothed. Petals firmly connate to the 4-striate deciduous 

 operculum. Stamens in four polyandrous bundles, alternating with the teeth of the calyx, connate at the 

 base. Capsule 4-celled, polyspermous, dehiscing at the apex. 



The following is in English : — 



Eudesmia tetragona Tab. 3. In exposed barren places, near the shores in the 

 neighbourhood of Lucky Bay on the south coast of New Holland in 34° S. lat. and 

 123° E. long. Gathered both in flower and fruit in January, 1802. 



