Page:A primer of forestry, with illustrations of the principal forest trees of Western Australia.djvu/80

74 18.— GIMLET (Euc. salubris).

A small tree which at full age attains a height of 30 feet, or occasionally even of 40 feet; the stem is tall in comparison with the few and scattered main branches of the tree. Bark smooth, yellowish-green, shining, green inside. Branchlets sometimes with a white bloom. Leaves of thin consistence and scattered.

The name is derived from the highly fluted, or longitudinally twisted, character of the stem of the tree. This is very peculiar in appearance and is a unique and special feature of the species. The wood is very hard and is extensively used for building purposes in the districts in which it grows. It is also well adapted for the making of tool handles.

This tree is usually associated with the Salmon Gum, and frequently the two trees exclusively form extensive forests. Its range, however, is not as extensive as that of the Salmon Gum. Its Western limit is Goomalling; it does not occur south of Bruce Rock, and its northern limit is at present unknown, but is probably in the vicinity of Dalwallinu. It extends to the east along the Transcontinental Railway. The flowers are white and occur profusely. The fruits are larger than those of the Salmon Gum, being ¼ of an inch in diameter with broad points protruding above the top when the fruit is ripe. These fruits are arranged in umbels or clusters of usually seven.