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GROUP II. E. PILULARIS. 
20. E. PILULARIS Smith. 
NATURAL HABITAT, DESCRIPTION, AND USES. 
The species has its natural home between the sea coast and the Dividing 
Range in Aew South Wales and Queensland. In an open situation the tree may 
become forked and branchy, but when surrounded by other trees of equal growth 
its stem will be free from branches and straight to a great height. The dead bark 
persists on the stem or lower part of the stem, and is there somewhat 
fibrous, like that of a stringybark. The juvenile or seedling leaves are 
lance-shaped, sessile, opposite, and often tinged with a very rich purple 
colour; those of the adult tree are stalked or petiolate, graceful-lance¬ 
shaped, sometimes curved to one side and occasionally wavy, deep green 
on the upper surface and paler beneath; the lateral veins are numerous 
but not regularly parallel; the intra-marginal vein is distinctly removed from the 
edge of the leaf. The umbel has a flattened stalk with six to ten flowers on short 
stalklets. The lid of the bud is conical or pointed, and stands within the rim of the 
calyx-tube like an egg in egg-cup. The ripe seed-cup is about /sin. deep and a 
little more in width, and shaped like a nearly round bird’s egg with one-third 
cut away; the rim is either flat or convex, and the points of the valves when open 
are below or slightly above it. The fruits are too large to he described as pilular. 
and it is possible that the specific name was originally given to a species with 
small pilular fruits, and then transferred in error. 
In their native habitat, the trees now known to botany under the name of E. 
pilularis have often attained an immense height and diameter. Their mature 
wood is pale to brown in colour, excellent for either splitting or sawing, very 
durable in any situation, and especially suitable for fencing posts and wire-carrying 
poles; but of course the trees must be mature. If intended for electric wire poles, 
this species, like other large growers, must be planted and matured in close stands 
to prevent excess in diameter growth. 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
The seedlings of E. pilularis are very sensitive to frost, and do not easily bear 
transplantation. Where practicable the seed should be sown in October or 
November on perfectly clean and well cultivated land where the trees are to grow. 
A light sprinkling of Italian rye-grass will help to protect the young plants in 
the following winter; but any dense mass of either weeds or grass will almost 
certainly suppress and kill them. The species was introduced into New Zealand 
over 60 years ago, and is now represented by vigorous trees in many warm 
northern situations. Specimens of millable size have been noted by the writer in 
* two Hawke’s Bay localities and in three separate plantations near Papakura, a 
little south of Auckland. Seed should be obtained either from best acclimatized 
trees or from certified and approved trees in cool parts of the natural habitat. 
In a personal note to the writer Mr. Maiden speaks of E. pilularis in the 
following words of high commendation: — “This is one of the most ready species 
to reafforest. In eastern New South Wales we have a marvellous number of little 
and big pure forests of this species, obtained by simply cutting out the mature 
trees and then fencing the area. The ready growth and straightness are wonderful. 
You do well to emphasise the value of this certainly exceptional forest tree.” 
