36 
GROUP II. E. MICROCORYS. 
from branches and greater part of stem, leaving a dull white surface. The leaves 
in all stages are similar to those of E. saligna , but somewhat larger and coaiser. 
Umbel with several flowers; stalk about Min. long and flattened, stalklets veiy 
short or absent; lid of bud low with thick central projection; antheis with neaily 
parallel openings. Ripe seed-cup pear-shaped, about Min. deep and 5/1 Gin. wide, 
4-celled; valves pale-coloured or glaucous, claw-like and protruding when open. 
Mature wood red, tough, light enough to float in water, suitable for any 
construction work, remarkably flexible; reputation for durability in contact with 
ground doubtful. 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
E. grandis was formerly regarded as a variety of E. saligna , and may have 
been planted in New Zealand under that name. It is recommended for trial on 
alluvial flats in warm northern localities. Seed should be obtained from certified 
and approved trees in New South Wales. 
18. E. MICROCORYS F. von Mueller. 
NATURAL HABITAT, DESCRIPTION, AND USES. 
The native home of this species begins a little north of the Hawkesbury River, 
extends through north-eastern New South Wales, and thence into southern 
Queensland from near the seaboard to 30 miles or a little more inland; and rising 
as it extends northwards up to altitudes of 1,500ft. to 2,000ft. The tree attains 
its optimum where soil and subsoil are free and moist and is said frequently to 
reach heights from 100ft. to 200ft. and diameters from 3ft. to 4ft., exceptional 
specimens being very much larger. The dead bark is sub-fibrous, persistent on 
stem and branches, and ultimately thick and rough. Adult trees exude a brown to 
olive-green kino. In the juvenile stage the leaves are oval to broad-lance-shaped 
and already stalked; on the adult tree 3in. to 5in. long and about lin. in width, 
thin, widely veined, slightly wavy, and paler on the under surface. Taken as a 
whole the foliage of E. microcorys has a very distinct aspect. The leaves on 
saplings and adult trees have a tendency to spread from the twig in two more or 
less regular ranks, one on either side. Yery generally they are balanced and 
present their upper surfaces fully to the light. Carefully noted, this habit of the 
foliage becomes a great help in determining the species. Umbel with indefinite 
number of flowers up to 8 or 0; stalk about / 2 in., stalklets / 4 in., lid of bud \ ery 
small, and bud as a whole gradually tapering into stalklet; anthers kidney-shaped 
with divergent openings. Ripe seed-cup 3/16in. to Min. wide, contracted a little at 
orifice, and like the unripe cup running down with gradual taper into the stalklet; 
open valves slightly protruding. Mature wood yellowish-brown with tinge of 
pink in some samples, not freely fissile but easily worked with saw and plane; 
when dressed presenting a smooth greasy surface; in first grade for all heavy 
construction work, and very lasting in the ground. It is the well-known tallow-wood 
of the timber trade, and ranks in quality and durability with ironbark and redgum. 
So valuable is the timber that millable trees are keenly hunted in every accessible 
locality. The specific name means “little helmet” and was suggested by the lid 
of the bud, which is low and small. 
