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25.—GOLDFIELDS RED FLOWERING GUM (Euc. torquata).
A small stout tree of 20 to 30 feet, wich always occurs on rising ground in gravelly soil. The bark is dark grey or black, rough and persistent throughout. The flowers are of a bright coral pink or scarlet, or occasionally white, and when fully out exceed an inch in diameter. It is one of the most beautiful of our trees, and ranks with the red flowering gum of the South- West for scenic effect, It flowers in December, and for that reason is also known as the Christmas tree. It is well worthy of a place in our public gardens. The buds and fruits are very distinctive. The buds have a broad base which is ribbed, and are contracted in to a narrow beak of half an inch in length. The fruits are egg-shaped, with a frill-like base. This tree is confined to the goldfields.
Goldfields Red Flowering Gum.
