name given to one of theGum-trees, Eucalyptus amygdalina, Labill., and often toother species of Eucalypts, especially E. obliqua,L'Herit. For origin of this curious name, see quotation, 1889.
1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 429:
«It is also known by the name of `Messmate,' because it isallied to, or associated with, Stringy-bark. This isprobably the tallest tree on the globe, individuals having beenmeasured up to 400 ft., 410 ft., and in one case 420 ft., withthe length of the stem up to the first branch 295 ft. Theheight of a tree at Mt. Baw Baw (Victoria) is quoted at 471ft.»
1890. `The Argus,' June 7, p. 13, col1. 4:
«Away to the north-east a wooded range of mountains rolls alongthe skyline, ragged rents showing here and there where the deadmessmates and white gums rise like gaunt skeletons from thedusky brown-green mass into which distance tones the brackenand the underwood.»