What a treat. Thanks for the notice. I have been meaning for quite a while to get "wild plants". Perfect opportunity.

The 10-day 90+ spell here in Portland dried out the eucryphia blooms; only some of the very latest are still white. I see bumblebees go for the blossoms up there, too (black spots in center of blooms).

I grow that one Barrie, however my specimen has grown much slower because of where I have it planted. I planted it as a seedling 10 years ago or so. You probably know the one I'm talking about, it's over by my Brahea. Also exposure to cold winds and prolonged extreme min. temps. will determine what survives the next Arctic Blast. I had a Eucs. survive the freeze of Feb. 1989 and Dec. 1990. I also have E.dalrympleana that are approx. 70-80'ft in height. I'm waiting for the day when Old Man Winter will challenge them. So far in they have not been bothered by the cold.I grew them from seed collected in the coldest provenance where they grow. My garden is in a very sheltered location so wind is not a factor. Only time will tell. Joe

Most interesting, Bob. Historical references are interesting to contemplate & explore. Alas, I know nothing of Banjo's botanical prowess but I suspect he was better at poetry than he was at plant identification. Besides, Australia's botanical understanding was in its early stages of development at the time Banjo was putting pen to paper so I think it's fair to cut him some botanical slack. Another thought that comes to mind is that perhaps the Kurrajong to which Paterson refers are street or garden trees planted for ornamental purposes although this seems highly unlikely given his focus on the bush. I seem to recall that what we call Acacia was once referred to at times as Mimosa. In fact, Acacias belong to the MIMOSACEAE family.