78 
GROUP V. E. VIMINALIS. 
normally 3-flowered, and in the bud stage takes the form of a cross, stalk / 4 in. to 
%in., stalklets 34in. or less; lid of bud conical; anthers with cui\ed longitudinal 
openings. Ripe seed-cup Min. deep by 5/16in. wide; usually 4-celled, the valves 
while closed forming with the rising rim a dome, and when open strongly 
protruding. 
The mature wood of E. viminalis is straw-coloured, sometimes pinkish, but 
never red. It is tough and strong, but sufficiently fissile to be split with maul and 
wedges. In parts of Australia large quantities of it are sawn up into material 
for house building and for heavy carriage work. For resistance to decay in contact 
with the ground it would take about third grade in a complete list of the durable 
Eucalyptus timbers. In the Waikato stout heartwood posts split out of trees not 
less than thirty years old are reported to have lasted fifteen years and to be still 
in good condition. Wire poles matured in close stands to an age of forty years 
and allowed a base diameter of 1ft. 6in. should last twenty years without 
preservative treatment and longer with effective treatment. Bark and sap wood 
should be stripped off both fence posts and wire poles. 
Some trees usuallv included in E. viminalis have more than three flowers in 
the umbel and carry their dead bark all up the stem. Such trees are probably 
hybrids, possibly between E. viminalis and E. Macarthuri. They are usually of 
inferior merit and should be strictly avoided in collecting seed. 
CULTIVATION IN NEW ZEALAND. 
E. viminalis has grown with phenomenal rapidity to very large dimensions 
on the pumiceous lands of the Waikato. It has done almost equally well in parts 
of the Hawke’s Bay region. Marlborough has produced many splendid specimens. 
But for more extended stands of this species in the large pole stage we must go 
to northern Canterbury. A close study of these examples confirms what 
Australian foresters have already told us, that this species must have for its best 
de\ elopment a deep and free subsoil, abundant moisture, and a cool winter climate. 
It is essentially an inland species, and wherever planted near the sea must be 
pi otected against the saline winds by a screen of other trees. Planted on frostless 
lowlands or on a dry shingly substratum, it will fail of its maximum vitality and 
may then be unable to resist the attacks of insect enemies. Seed for future 
plantings should be obtained from largest and best acclimatized typical specimens. 
I he species is very easily propagated, either by sowing in situ or by transplanting. 
APPENDIX TO GROUP V. 
E. Risdoni. Further research in Tasmania and in New Zealand may show that 
■nhat has been known as Variety elata of this species merits separate specific 
*■ — - d " rf «'»,Id be JU 
