17 
Syncarpia is, in tlie above work, confined to tbe two species S. laurifolia and 
S. leptopetala , which are, however, very different from each other, as will he seen 
from the following extract:— 
“S. laurifolia (Specie normali), Calyces connati, ovarium S-loculare , 
loculis multi-ovulatis. 
“ S. leptopetala, Calyces liberi et ovarium 2-loculare, loculis 1 -ovulatis.” 
{Op. cit., i, 709.) 
Syncarpia laurifolia is the only true Syncarpia (according to the meaning of 
the word). S. leptopetala was united with this genus before its fruits were known, 
and left under this genus in the Genera Plant arum and Nat. Pflanzen-Familien. 
The latter work followed Bentliam in the Order Myrtaceae apparently uncritically. 
Mueller abolished the genus Syncarpia altogether, and unites both with 
Metrosideros. 
Bailey retains Syncarpia leptopetala under that genus, and adds a third 
species, Syncarpia Hillii , which is a true Syncarpia. 
In my opinion, Syncarpia laurifolia and leptopetala should not he kept under 
the same genus; either Syncarpia should be confined in New South Wales to 
laurifolia , and leptopetala united with Metrosideros , or both should be united with 
Metrosideros and Syncarpia reduced to a section of it. 
The view I take is to retain the name Syncarpia laurifolia for the turpentine- 
tree, and to place Syncarpia leptopetala under Metrosideros. 
^Following is Banks’ original definition of Metrosideros. I then give 
Sir J. E. Smith’s comments on the species, and description of M. glomulifera. 
Smith’s original specimens and also those of Salisbury’s M. procera and M. 
prop in qua were all collected by David Burton.* 
Neither work being readily accessible, it will be convenient to many to have . 
the extracts in question. 
Metrosideros. —Calyx monophyllus, quinquedentatus. Cor. pentapetala. Stam. numerosa, discreta, 
calyci inserta. Styl. unicus. Capsula calycis ventre corticata, infra floris receptaculum posita, tri-1, 
quadrilocularis. Semina immatura numerosissima, lineari-paleacea ; matura paucissima, rotundata aut 
angulata.” (Banks, in Gmrtner de Fructibus, i, 170, 1788.) 
Metrosideros. —Banks, mss. Gsertn., sem., t. 34, f. 2. Leptospermum, Forst., Gen., 36, t. 36, f., a-e 
and m-t. Icosandria monogynia, after Fabricia. Char. Gen.—Calyx, 5-sidns, semisuperus, petala 5. 
Stamina longissima, exserta. Stigma simplex. Capsula 3-vel 4 locularis. 
That this is a most distinct natural genus from Leptospermum as above de6ned there can be no 
doubt, though some great botanists have united them. Sir Joseph Banks, however, and Dr. Solander 
were well aware of their difference, and characterised Metrosideros by its very long stamina. The stigma 
being simple and small, not capitate or depressed, scarcely dilated, I beg leave to propose as a very certain 
* Burton was Superintendent of Convicts at Parramatta, at least from 1st May, 1790. He died at Parramatta, 
13th April, 1792. See Historical Records of New South Wales, vol. 2. Hooker, Introd. FI. Tasmania, was not aware 
under what circumstances Burton collected in Australia. He doubtless collected between Sydney and Parramatta. 
C 
