Botanical, Australian Bloodwood, Eucalyptus corymbosa, NSW, J.H. Maiden Antique Print & Text.

Original chromolithograph after Ernest William Minchen (active 1869-1890) under the guidance of botanical draftsman R. T. Baker for "The Flowering Plants and Ferns of New South Wales, with especial reference to their Economic Value" by J.H. Maiden. Issued with copy of original text.

The Bloodwood  Eucalyptus corymbosa,  are most appropriate in their common-name, as they have an abundance of kino, aka gum, thatflows red from the tree like blood. When freshly collected it contains 80% tannin acid. This is put to use traditionally for tanning animal skins. The Bark is alsoused to made charcoal and applied as an antiseptic to wounds.  Aboriginal names vary on account of the tribal areas it occurs: Mannen in the Cumberland district, Bookeybarng in Port Macquarie, Weni Aabie in Clarence/Richmond districts and Boona in Southern Queensland. It has a fine timber growing to 30 metres.  The gum-nuts are unusual for eucalyptus, the leaves have oil but not in marketable quantities and the cream blossoms attract parrots and a profusion of beetles, wasps, ants, all pollinators.

Size of image= 15 x 22.5 cm (6 x 9 Inch)

Condition = Excellent. Supplied with copy of the original description.

Published by Charles Potter, Government Printer, N.S.W between 1895-1898

Joseph Henry Maiden (1859-1925) Born in London he traveled to Sydney. Among other duties, his interest in Australian flora attracted the interest of director of the Botanic Garden, Charles Moore. Maiden quickly established himself as an expert in economic botany. He encouraged research into the properties of Australian timbers and essential oils. Forest Flora of New South Wales, was issued in 72 parts highlighting the economic values of trees to assist in land management, to illustrate scientifically, and encourage public awareness, from 1885-98. He lectured at the university in forestry in 1913-21 and in agricultural botany in 1914-21. Maiden urged farmers to use herbarium staff to identify grasses and bushes grazed by their stock. Acknowledged awareness of retaining native forests, like the South Australian Conservator for State Forests, John Edne Brown. He passionately supported more parks and trees in urban developments, dispatching seeds and cuttings to schools and councils.