Also kari. [Native name (W. Australia).] An Australian tree (Eucalyptus diversicolor, one of the ‘blue gums’); also, its hard red timber, used in street-paving. Also attrib.
1870. W. H. Knight, W. Australia, 38 (Morris). The Karri (eucalyptus colossa) is another wood very similar in many respects to the tuart, and grows to an enormous size.
1875. Laslett, Timber & Timber Trees, 196 (ibid.). The kari tree … is found in Western Australia.
1893. Daily News, 21 Sept., 5/3. A ‘panel’ of karri wood has been laid opposite the West Strand Post Office, where the wear and tear is exceedingly heavy.
1897. Illustr. Lond. News, 1 May, 598. They … neither rot in the ground nor yield to the ravages of the white ant … it is not necessary to creosote Karri or Jarrah sleepers.
