46 
GROUP HI. E. EUGENIOIDES. 
dead bark on stem and larger branches. Leaves 
wavy, indented at edges, and paler on under surface, with stems g . 
and edges of leaves studded over with tufts of 
of the foliage at this stage being dull gieen ting . . ^* n 
of adult tree stalked, smooth, of same green on both surfaces, 3 ^ -J ^ 
Umbel with numerous flowers; stalk Am. long, stalklets /S • seed-cup 
short, sharp-pointed; anthers with divergent united openings Rpe seed cup 
Min. to 5/16in. wide, and a little less in depth, contracted towards onlice tips ^ 
open valves below or slightly above the rim. As the stalk i e ts. never 
mature they touch and form a compact head; but, ha vug ‘ 
become so lightly compressed together as do those of E. capitellata, which are 
quite sessile. 
The mature WOOD of E. eugenioides is pale-coloured, with a tinge> of red 
in some districts. It is freely fissile, and, though very hard, eas. y worked with 
saw, plane, and carving tool. It is greatly valued lor house building. This i 
high praise for any timber; but the mature wood of E eugenioides 1ms the fui 
hfrit of long resistance to decay in contact with the ground. Reports from 
widely separated localities in Australia testify to its great durability when used 
as fence posts or wire poles, actual cases being mentioned where fences made of 
this wood have lasted in good condition for fifty years. But it is only fan to s a e 
that some Australian authorities do not sustain this high estimate; and we mus 
remember that all timbers vary in quality and durability. (See Hardwoods of 
Australia , page 196.) 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
That the species can be successfully cultivated in New Zealand has been 
proved by experiments made in the Waikato near Cambridge, in the State Forests 
at Whakarewarewa, in the Papakura-Clevedon district, in the Wairau Va ey, 
Marlborough, and at “Okuti” near Little River, Banks Peninsula. Many trees 
from these plantations have already been utilized, some sawn up into boards and 
scantling, others as posts and wire-carrying poles. Results encourage the 
expectation that E. eugenioides will sustain in this country the high reputation 
that it has so long enjoyed in its native home. Planted in suitable localities this 
species can give us durable electric wire poles in 35 years and very high grade 
sawn timber in 40 years. We must not mix the species with forest giants that 
may overtop and suppress it, but plant it pure or in alternate rows with a conifer 
such as Cupressus macrocar pa. The seedlings are very sensitive to frost, transplant 
badly, and are liable to be suppressed by weeds. It may be well, therefore, to sow 
the seed on clean and thoroughly prepared land where the trees are to grow, after 
the spring frosts are over, and with some very light cover crop to protect the plants 
in the following winter. A close study of New Zealand experiments shows that 
E. eugenioides requires a free subsoil, and will not succeed on a tight clay pan. 
It is an obvious suggestion that seed should be obtained from approved trees in 
parts of the natural habitat where there are cold winters, or from best acclimatized 
specimens. 
The specific name eugenioides means Eugenia-like , and was suggested by the 
leaves as they are sometimes seen on vigorous saplings and younger trees. The 
dead bark of E. eugenioides is normally pale grey, very regularly furrowed up and 
