109 
Aboriginal Names. —“ Giaboriga ” is the name formerly used by the 
Bellinger aborigines, according to Forest Ranger Mecham. “ Geria ” is also an 
aboriginal name ( Cat. London Exh ., 1862). At Double Island Point, Queensland, 
its native name is “ Weerabi,” according to the Hon. W. Pettigrew, M L.C. 
“ Tubbilpulla ” is also a Queensland aboriginal name. 
Synonyms. — T. subverticillata, Wendl.; T. macrophylla, A. Cunn. in Bot. 
Beg. xxii, 1839; F. Muell., Fragm. i, 82; Lophostemon arborescens, Schott, in 
Wien. Zeitschr iii (1830), 772. 
Strange to say the name Lophostemon (usually L. australis )* has stuck to this 
plant, particularly amongst nurserymen. It lias no priority, and its use should be 
discouraged. The origin of the name is explained in the following paragraph:— 
An attempt has been made by Mr. Schottf to distinguish two of the species confounded in gardens 
under the name of Tristania from T. nerii folia, for which latter he has retained the original generic name, 
applying to the species separated that of Lophostemon ; but his knowledge of these plants . . . was 
too limited. (Bennett in PL Javan. Rarior., p. 128.) 
Timber. —Its characteristics are toughness, strength, and durable qualities. 
It has a more than usual tendency to warp and twist, which could he largely 
counteracted by felling at the proper season, and by giving some attention to 
seasoning. The timber wants a little humouring, but it is so promising as regards 
durability and resistance to wear, that it is worthy of pains being taken to give it 
fail- play. With the knowledge that we possess of Myrtaceous timbers, to cut Brush 
Box when in full growth, and then to expose it to the rays of the sun as we often 
feel them in New South Wales, is not to give it fair play. 
It is one of the timbers most obnoxious to white ants. It is pale-coloured, 
usually brownish to pinkish, and turning greyish on exposure. It dulls the saws. 
This is the timber perhaps universally used in the northern districts for tram-rails 
for haulage of the logs from the forest to the saw-mill. It is not cut by the iron 
wheels, but becomes polished by the traction, while it is eminently durable. Much 
used for bullock-yokes. I am of opinion that if proper attention were paid to the 
time of felling, and if it were moderately seasoned, it would be a useful timber for 
paving-blocks. I also am of opinion that the question of its suitability for bridge¬ 
decking should form the subject of careful inquiry. I have seen iucli boards of this 
timber exposed to the atmosphere for months without warping; at the same time, 
that it warps a good deal if cut all through the year, and never seasoned, is notorious. 
Owing to its toughness, it is used locally for mallets, chisel-handles, planes, jaws of 
hand-screws, etc. 
It is extensively used in the North Coast districts for wheelwrights’ work. 
Following are specific reports upon it:— 
One of the most valuable timbers in the Colony on account of its durability ; it is averred on credible 
authority that instances are known of this timber remaining perfectly sound after being nearly thirty years 
worked up as l ibs of vessels.Used for scantling, flooring-boards, etc. (N.S. )l r . Catal., London 
Exh., 1862.) 
* It would appear that T. suaveolens is known in cultivation in Europe under the name L. australe (Kew hand list of 
tender dicotyledons, 1900, p. 417). 
+ Wiener Zeitschr., fur Kunst., dec., 1830, vol. iii, p. 772, as quoted in Linnea 1831, Literatur-bericht, p. 54. 
