18 
and constant mark of distinction. The habit, moreover, is totally different from Leptospermum, and 
agrees with that of Melaleuca; at least this is the case with such species as have alternate leaves, and 
those with opposite ones have no resemblance to Leptospermum. 
The petals are concave, nearly sessile, deciduous, generally less coloured than the stamina. The 
capsule has most generally three valves, and as many cells, rarely four. I believe it might safely be 
defined trilocularis absolutely, but I have mentioned the number four in deference to Gsertner until I 
can determine and examine all his species, which are very obscure. His gummi/era is an Eucalyptus, and 
some of his others are very doubtful. The species of this genus, described as Melaleuca by the younger 
Linnreus, and Dr. G. Forster, are also much confused, these authors having mutually misunderstood each 
other so often and formed their definitions so loosely, that, with most of their original-named specimens 
before me, I can hardly clear up every doubt, nor can I at present determine how many of Forster’s 
species are among Grertner’s. 
*#*####* 
M. glomulifera, foliis oppositis, ovatis, reticulate-venosis subtus pubescentibus, capitulis lateralibus 
pedunculatis, bracteisque, tomentosis. 
Gathered near Port Jackson by Mr. David Burton. It is a tree with round opposite branches. 
Leaves opposite, on shortish downy footstalks, ovate, entire, a little waved, reticulated with numerous 
veins, clothed with short soft down on the underside. Flowers greenish-yellow, clustered in little globular 
heads, which stand on simple downy footstalks about an inch long, growing laterally (mostly opposite to 
each other), just above the insertion of the uppermost leafstalks and contrary to them. Each head of 
flowers is accompanied by a pair of oblong downy bractae, and the calyx is also downy. 
This species is but slightly aromatic. It is said to be very rare. (Smith in Trans. Linn. Soc., iii, 
269, 1797.) 
Metrosideros is from two Greek words, metro , the heart of a tree, and 
sideros, iron, in allusion to the hardness of the timber. Glomulifera , from glomulus 
(Latin), a little round heap, in allusion to the flowers and fruit-heads. 
Leaves.— Somewhat laurel-like, as the specific name denotes. The under¬ 
side of a dirty white, often with small black patches, caused by a minute fungus. 
Flowers. —White, and in small round halls, consisting of a number of 
individual flowers joined together by their calyces. 
Fruit.— Hard and woody, and containing abundance of the brown dust- 
like seed, which sheds as soon as the fruits get dry. On the fruit are often seen 
globules of the so-called “ turpentine.” 
Iliirk. —The bark is of a flaky, fibrous character, and often of a considerable 
thickness. It is of a brown colour. In large trees it has a furrowed appearance. 
The hark of our turpentine-tree does not appear to be put to any useful purpose,* 
but the lion. W. Pettigrew states that the bark of the Peebeen ( S . Hillii ) is used 
by the natives of Wide Bay (Queensland) for the purpose of making canoes. 
Timber. — In colour it is usually dull red, but it varies to brown or purple- 
brown. It has a neat and perhaps characteristic grain. Mr. Augustus Rudder 
says :—“ I believe that this timber might be used to advantage in cabinet work, as 
some of it is handsome, and takes a good polish, and only, I believe, requires proper 
treatment to make it more highly esteemed for many purposes.” It has been 
successfully used by local billiard-table manufacturers for table-legs. 
With the exception, an important one, of a covering to the logs. See pp. 22 and 26. 
