52
6— BLACKBUTT (Euc. patens).
A tree attaining a height up to 100 feet, with a bole of 40 to 50 feet, and up to six feet in diameter. The bark is persistent, hard, fibrous, deeply fissured and dark grey in colour. Considerable difficulty is experienced by most people in distinguishing this tree in the forest from Jarrah. The two trees are certainly very similar in general appearance. The bark of the Blackbutt is more deeply fissured than the Jarrah, and has the appearance of having been combed. The ridges of these fissures are usually black, while the indentations are of a brownish grey. The leaves are smaller than the leaves of the Jarrah; and of a bluish-green. In case of doubt, it is advisable to refer to the fruits. These are somewhat smaller than the Jarrah fruits, but the rim which forms the top margin of the fruit is quite narrow, and the ovary is slightly sunk and flatter.
Weight per cubic foot (green)—69lbs.
At 12 per cent, moisture—54lbs.
Transverse strength—14,200lbs. per square inch,
Tensile strength-—15,700lbs. per square inch.
About the same weight and strength as jarrah, but a pale yellow-coloured wood. It is not plentiful, but is to be found in small patches in the gullies and pockets of alluvial soils, between laterite crests of hills. It is useful for many purposes and particularly for farm implements and railway truck building.
