34 
GROUP II. E. DIVERSICOLOR. 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
It is probable that E. Deanei has been several times introduced into this 
country under the name of E. saligna ; but we have nowhere yet given it separate 
trial under competently selected conditions. It merits better treatment. Our 
North Island lowlands and valleys offer many sheltered and well-watered aieas 
where this valuable and beautiful tree would almost certainly find a congenial 
home and grow rapidly to large dimensions. Officers of the New South v\ ales 
Forest Service will be in a position to collect seed from large and well-formed 
trees where the species is at its natural optimum. 
15. E. DIVERSICOLOR F. von Mueller. 
NATURAL HABITAT, DESCRIPTION, AND USES. 
This species holds a distinguished place in the first rank of great timber- 
yielders. Its native home is a belt of fertile country in south Western Australia 
stretching from about latitude 34 south-eastward 150 miles and fiom near t e 
seaboard inland. As seen by the first explorers and settlers it claimed for itself 
the almost exclusive occupation of large areas in that region. Its massive 
shaft-like stems rose far above the forest floor without a branch and suppoited a 
roof of almost continuous verdure. It is said that many of the trees reached 
300ft. in total height. The student will wish to know how he may identify this 
wonderful tree. Its dead bark is non-fibrous and falls away from blanches and 
from nearly the whole stem, the general aspect of the pillar-like boles being white. 
The leaves in the juvenile stage are round or oval and already stalked, on the 
adult tree 4in. to 5in. long by I/4in to l/ 2 in. wide, featherveined, usually 
balanced, deep green on the upper surface, pale beneath. Umbel with indefinite 
number of flowers; stalk I^in. to ? 4 in., stalklets Isin. or less, lid of bud a low 
smooth cone or dome, and bud as a whole with stalklet (pedicel) forming gradual 
taper to junction with stalk (peduncle) ; anthers with nearly parallel openings. 
Ripe seed-cup %in. in depth and about the same width, on short thick pedicel, 
3-celled; valves usually below rim. Mature wood red, interlocked in grain, 
strong, of first quality* for work in dry situations, as in buildings; not suitable for 
contact with the ground. Dealers in hardwoods should learn to distinguish the 
timber of E. diversicolor (karri) from that of E. marginata (jarrah). The fire 
test may suffice, a dry chip of E. diversicolor burning freely to a white ash, a 
dry chip of E. marginata burning less freely and leaving a charcoal remainder. 
The specific name was suggested by the difference in colour between the upper 
and lower surfaces of the leaf; but numerous other species show the same 
character. 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
E. diversicolor is doing well in a few North Island localities, but awaits 
more general and competent experiment. The conditions it appears to demand at 
our hands are good land, abundant moisture, efficient protection against violent 
winds, and a climatic area in which the temperature never falls much below 
freezing point. Granted these conditions, it will make thrifty growth and soon 
become a millable tree. Seed should be obtained through the Forest Service of 
Western Australia, or from a very large and vigorous specimen in the Patutahi 
Domain near Gisborne. 
