
A T L A S OF AUSTRALIA—1!
tlieii-
>0 liavo beeu found of so great circumforeucG at
»•rtl the voiiorablo giants of tlio far-famed Tose-
Nortli A
Tlio followinff are tho best known specics of the Eucalyptus:—
Troubark [E. Ir.ueoxylim, crehra, and sideropMoia), rcraark.iblo for tlieir
litivdness and durability ; box {E. hemiphioia) ; g r e y ^ n i (E.saligiia)-,
blooclwood {E. c.timia), so called fi-oni tbe colour of tlio gum -wLicli
exudea from it io large qnuutitios; striugy-bnrk (E. capileUata),
ex-tremcly useful to the settler, its bni-k liaving a closely woven taxtnro
Mid making a good water-tiglit roof for a house; blaokbutt {E. pihtlari.);
ash (E.I
tain
[E. h((t.
The.
1. aliens) ; red maliogaiiy {E. TCiinifera) ;
rgaia) ¡ woollybutt [E. longifuliaj ¡ and spotted gum
•.I family is perhaps the best ropreseuted of the plants
s have
listi ngnished. Theii'
t the bark of some
of its
astringeut qualities and is iisod
ling.
A gum exudes from it in very
oui the stem and branches like stalac-
;t has a beautiful, olear, trans|)arent
cliampagne colour. It is pleasant to
.ally.
silver '
adjoini
cuba (wi..
and plain
present
yellow i
day.
Austi-alian
idi-ed species
wood is of little or no commercial
kinds is in demand on acconnt largely in connection with tanning,largo quantities; and hangs fi'oni tl
titoa in a limestone cave. It has
appearance aud is tinged of
the taste and is used medici:
The green wattle [A. decurrmia), black wattle (A. binervata)
ittle (wil. dealbata) chiefly found in the Coast District aud the
5 rnngeii, and the myall {A. homulophylln. aud pendula), aud
aliciva) wliich ai-o extensively distributed on the high lands
i of tho interior. In the flowering season the Mimo«cB
a very beautiful appeni-ance i the trees are hung with bright
"estoons, tho aroma from which impregnates the whole atmos-
5r a considerable distance around. These blossoms, di
•iug the
•e covered with the wild bees of the bush, distilli
's storehouse sweet nectar mth which to fill thoir cells
Australian Oak (casuaniicce) of which there are vai-iov
in different parts of the continent, but the moi
' useful
iflned to the coast aud mountainous districts. It
n house-buildiug for roofing pui-posos, and some
feneers and cabinet-work. Tho following spBcies
Australian bush :—Scrub she-oak (C. Cunni'iijiiiinurin
. chiefly c
> used for V
r detected i:
«), forest oak (C. equiseU/oUa), belah (C. glaucn), forest
kinds a
swamp-oak (C. dricla] and swamp-oak (C. ««terosa).
Tho Honoysucklo {hanksia cncdnea, inteffri/oUa, and«err«i<i) which
derives its name from the quantity of honey which the different
members of tho family contain, is found chiefly in the scrub-forests
near tho sea. It is small and erect, and present« an attractive
appearance. Its existence on land is not considered e\'idence in
favour of tho quality of the soil. The wood is very close-grained
and strong, and when polislied has a beautiful appearance. It is much
sought after for gunstocks, and ribs and knees of boats, and is
plentiful on the east coast, and also in the Now Eugland district.
Several species of pines {Conifmr), arc indigenous to Australia.
They are not confined to any particular region. Some occur in the
coast districts, while others are found forming forests and scrubs
on the plains of the interior. The timber is light, strong, and fairly
durable, and is used for weather-boEirds, flooring, and telegraph
species :—Red pine
MufUmj, and white
useful of the
i dark red in
posts. The following are the more commo
(Fraiela endlichcn], Blue ilouiitain pine (f
pine (F. robusia),
The Red Cedar (Ccdrda tnma) is doubtle.=s
soft-wood trees indigenous to Australia. The
colour, light, easily ^vrought, durable, and of increasing value as it
becomes scarcer iu the neighbourhoods from which its conveyance is
practicable. Timber-cutters have made gi-ent ravages npon it ; in tho
early days of Australian colonisation, when it was more o&sily
obtained, cedar-getting WB.S a lucrative employment; but the wholesale
nmnner in which the entei-prise was too often carried out before there
were any proper legal restrictions in regard to the preservation of
young trees, has almost caused the disappearance of tho cedar from
localities where it onco abounded. It is still found in many of the
nigged aud inaccessible gullies, through which some of tho tributaries
of the northern rivers of ifew South Wales flow before reaching the
main streams, where the difBciUty of conveyance would scarcely
leave a margin of profit over tho expense incurred. It is now chiefly
obtained from the brush-lands ou the banks of some of tho rivers of
Northern Quoeusland, Its habitat is confined almost entirely to the
coast lands, and in order to reach full perfection it requires a very
rich soil. The presence of cedar trees in any locality i.s therefore
taken as an evidence of fertility, which imdoubtedly is the case. As
a member of the forest it has a very beautiful stately appearance.
reaching a height of about 150 feet and a diameter frequently of fi-om
eight to ten feet. The wood is very extensively used iu making
furniture, cabinet-work, and internal fittings for houses and ships. It
is one of the few Australian trees that are deciduous.
The m i t e Cedar fMelia compositaj belongs to a different family,
and does not possess the useful qualities of the Red Cedar. Its
habitat is limited to the coast district.
The Fig-tree is very widely distributed in the various coast
regions of Australia suitable to iti groivth, aud does not extend inland
beyond the mountain ranges. Tiie brash-lands on the margins of the
rivers of the east coast afford the conditions which favour tho growth
of the various species of Pig; as in the case of Cedar the best alluvial
laud is chosen, in which to spread its network of roots and rear ifs
gigantic head. Some of the members of this family are I'emnrkable
for their great height, aud the thickness of their trunks. There is a
very singular peculiarity connected with their growth—suckers, or
small root-like stems, reach down from tho bi-aucbes, and taking hold
of the ground, present the appeai-ance, as they increase in thick-
In this respect a resemblance may be traced to the celebrated
Banyan tree, of India. A fruit grows upon it which is much sought
after by birds. The wood is bi-ittle and spongy, and of no cominoroial
The following are the principal species :—Rough-leaved Pig
fPicu» asperaj, Native Fig fP. engemoidesj, Mor(
macrophyllaj, and Sraall-leaved Fig fF. rubiginomj.
Bay Fig is a magnificent specimen, and is much i
ornamental ti-ee where shade is desired in connection
A few spocicK of Palms are indigenous to Auatralia.
tree fLivistiWa AuHraluJ,
r fF.
e Moreton
-ith parks aud
The Cabbagelountainous
regions adjacent, and attains a
1 erect and gi'aceful in appearance. The
nd in the erection of bams and outhouses
In the early days of colonisation it was
dwelling-house of the settler constructed
ilabs. The leaves form a dense oiwvn and
,g embryo-leaves (called Cabbage), are -soft
snsant to the taste. They are cut out of the young trees
food by the aborigines. Wlien roasted it becomes more
id wholesome. Parts of tho yonng leaves are made into
are noted for their durability. A forest of Cabbagegularly
striking nud picturesque appearance.
the Coast Di!
height of 120 feet. It
wood is nsed for fencing,
on the small homesteads,
not uncommon to see thf
entirely of Cabbage-tree
ave fan-shaped, The yoi
lats, whic
obsei-ver with the idea that ho has been
to one of the islands of the Pacific, where the vegetation
ti'opical character.
The Bangalow, a tree of the same natural order, is very bi
and erect in appearance, and reaches a height fi'equently of £
The timber is of no oonameroial value, but it is sometimes u
ported
of a
feet,
id by
ruction of rude dwellings. The Bangalow is
jntal purposes. It is found in the brushnorthei
n rivers, frequently side by side
jh it resembles closely. Tlie following
shod :—Plychospsrma Cunningh ind
settlers in
much sought after for o
forests of the eastern
with tho Cabbage-tree,
clegam.
'I'he Apple, a wide-spreading tree of considerable diniensions, is
found distributed through various parts of Austi'alia. Some species
are confined to tho coast and inountainons regions, whilst others occur
in the forests of tho plains. The wood is strong, hard, nud heavy.
but beini it to " .m-voins ' it
the best trees furnish a >
wheels. Among the species knoivn
media, lanceolata, and aubvebitina.
The Mangi-ove fAmccnnia njlinr,
which is found in the salt-water estii;
Low forests of it ai'c often seen o
rivers, where at high tide tli
water ai'ound iheir stems, '
marine vegetation. The wood is hard an
It is used for stone-masons' mallets.
ois frcquen
ich become
Polygonum {Mulilenbcclda Cwmmgh
which is frequently met with on tho pluiL
of a dense irapenetrabl«
. The ti
thickness to render it i:
ively.
in demand for the naves of
Aiigophora cardi/olia, inter-
I is a low, branching ti'eo,
011 tho coast of Australia.
itly a depth of 5 or tì foot of
covered with oysters and
has a. vciy tenacious fibre.
i diffi
distributed over the Australian t
denso scrub in the vicinity of s^i
80 feet in height, and with a .
Only tho larger species are of us
is hard aud close-grained, and i
or wet ground, being almost imj:
species
-ery ividely
•c froi
the low,
nps or low-lying ground, to a tree
•curoference at tho butt of 3 feot.
Tho timber of the white Tea-tree
used for fencing purposes in damp
•ishable under conditions that would
A U S T R A L I A .
soon destroy other wood. The following ai-e the principal species;—
Callistemon, brachgandrus, linKuris, phiifoliui, rigidMS, ealignua ;
Hclaleuca armillaris, erici/olin, genisHfolia, hakeoides, leucadendnm,
UTtariifoUa, nodoia, paucifiora, xquarrosii, slgpliolinidna and uncinata.
Tho Tree Pern, one of tho most beautiful specimens of the
vogotable world, is found in all its native luxuriance in the upper
parts of the river valleys in the coa.st districts, and in the gorges and
ravines of tho mountain ranges. It frequents, For the most part, the
shaded beds of the mountain torrents, over which it spreads its
massive fronds. Many of the waterfalls of the Blue Mountains have
the apjiearance, at a short distance, of a picture iu sober tints set in an
emerald frame of varied fern leaves. There is nothing more refreshing
to the eye than to come suddenly on these gb'mpses from the peu(
of Nature, hidden in wild and secluded passes of our mountain regior
Tho Tree Fern is very much prized for ornamental purposes, aud
largely exported to Europe. The following species may be montione<
—Dicksonin, antnrctka and Yr'imgiw.
Tho Gigantic Nettle (Laporlea gigas) is perhaps one of the mo
singular trees indigenous to Australia, It is found in the scru
jungles of the coast districts, where it reaches a height frequently of
over 100 feet- Tlie leaves are large, and on their under sui-faco
poisonous fluid IS secreted,
le stint e, and c:
pain. Cattle and horses ci
contact with it have been known
wood, which is soft and spongy,
is of no commercial value. A strong fibre is obtained from the bark,
which is used by the aborigines iu the manufacture of fishing-lines.
The Grass Tree (Xanthnrrhwa arbnrea) is found on ¡)oor stony
ridges, chiefly In the neighbourhood of the coast. A gum exudes
from it, which is collected, and is of use in connection -with certain
manufactures. The aborigines use it in the construction of their spears.
It has frequently been noticed by travellei-s and explorers, that
fi-nits and plants which preduee food ai-e very scarce generally in the
Australian bush; the northern part of the continent, including the
greater part of Queensland, is, perhaps, the only marked exee])tion to
this rule. Many of the fruit and food-plants, however, though not
capable of supporting a large population, are much prized, and form
almost the only means of subsistence to several tribes of the Australian
aborigines. Few of these are nsed to any great extent by
European settlers. Some of the more common aud serviceable \vill be
enumerated and described.
The Davidsonia Plum fDavUhojiia prunmsj is perhaps one of
the best of the fruits indigenous to Australia. The tree is not large,
and gi'ows in the scrubs in tho northern parts of Queensland. The
fruit is juicy aud possesses a rich acid flavour.
The Herbert River Cherry (An tidemaa dallachyamm) is the fi'uit
of a small tree found ou the banks of some of the rivei-s of the
tropical ))art of Queensland. The fruit is round and has a shar)) acid
taste. It is very much in favour for preserving.
Tho Native Kumqiiat [Allaidica glaiicus) is the product of a small
shrub found on the Maranoa. The flowoi-s are sweet-scented, tlio
perfume resembling somewhat that of orange blossoms. Tho fruit is
used iu the manufacture of jam. Native Limes {Ci/n« .diwimiiW}
are found in the northern part of Australia, Cue species has a
i-ouiul fruit, another is inclined to an oblong shape. They are collected
for preserving pui-poses, and are said to be equal in quality to the
cultivated fniit.
Tho Quandong (Fitsaniis nciiminatics) is a aiiiall tree, usually of from
20 to 30 feet in height. The fruit is of a crimson colour when ri])o
and attains tho size of a small plum. It is found iu the scrub-forests
on the margins of tho rivers of the interior. The timber is closegrained,
and suitable for engraving and carving. Another member of
the same order is very widely distributed in the countiy drained by
the Flinders Tiiver, in Queensland. It receives the name there of
Tharra-gibberah.
The Native Plum (.-IcJiras Aiislralis) is n. very beajitifql tree, and
contains a white sap, not unlike milk. It reaches a height of about
100 feet. The fruit rei^embles a plum, but is not edible. It is found
in tho brush-forests of the east coast. 'Hie timber, which is closegrained
and TOricd in colour, is used iu cabinnt-work.
The Native Pear (Xijlomdumpyrifmnc) produces a fruit which is
only one in out-side apjiearance. The fi'uit is about two-and-half
inches long by one inch in diameter, and is not unlike a pear nt a
distance, but on examination it proves merely to be a follicle-formation.
This tree is found in the south part of the east const.
Tho Native Cheny cupressiformis) attains a height of
about 20 feet. The fruit-formation is very peculinr, tho stone being
on the outside. The jjulp, which is not unpalatable to tho taste, forms
a distinct globular mass. This tree is found widely distributed in tho
brush-forest« of the east coast and tablelands.
Tho Jerry-jerry, a small annual plant found among tho grass in
the billabonga of some of the rivers of North Queensland, is used as
food by the natives. The whole plant is gathered and ground. The
nutritious part is separated from tho woody fibre by a process of
grinding. It is thou baked and forms a kiud of rough bread.
In the plains south-east from the Gulf of Carpentaria, wat<'red by
the FliudiTs, Mitchell, and Gilbert Rivers, is found a tree, the flowers
of which secrete a clear honey of fair quality. The blossoms are
frequently placed in water, when they produce a very palatable drink.
TTie tree, which is bi-anchiiig and of the deciduous class, receives tho
names Pegunny and Thalmera. It is a member of the Leguminum
tribe.
Tho Nativo Pomegranate, or Karn-doo-thal of northern rivera,
{Cappurù, Milckelli), which has a very wide distribution, is a small
tree with loaves of a dark greou hue. It is found on many of the
rivors of the interior and thi-oughout Queensland. The fruit has a
diameter of about two or three inches, and is eaten ra>v when ripe.
A Melon of a very diminutive character is found among the grass
on some parts of the noi'thern plains, especially in the counti-y south
from the Gulf of Carpentaria- It is called Biiijy Binjy, This
small Melon is very plentiful after wet seasons. It is eaten raw.
There are several varieties, all of which aro edible.
A small Cucumber callcd Boomarrah (Cucnmia pubesce>u] is found
also in the plains, and swamps and marshes of the northern rivers.
The coverbg of the fruit is haiiy. The interior consists of a pulpy
snbstanco, which is eaten raw or roasted. It is used by European
The Karroo [Dioscorea sativi), u robust annual vine, is found
clinging to the trees in the country drained by tho llitcholl and Lj-nd
Rivers, mid is very abundant during the wet season. Its tuberous
roots, which nre very numerous, are roasted and then crushed in
water. After many washings,amixtm'e,somewhntlike porridge made
from luaize-meal, i.s obtained. These roote are referred to by
Leichhardt as having been found by him in the camps of the
Tho Cooroonyan {Eilnscusficuheun), asmaU annual of nbout two or
three feet in height, is found on the Flinders, Ijeichiardt, and
Gregory Rivers, very plentifully after the wet season. Tho root and
stem of the young |)lant resemble the potato in taste, and contain a
considerable amount of nutriment. The aborigines eat it after it baa
been cooked in the ashes.
Wild Eice {Orgia sativa), called by tho aborigines of the north
coast of Australia, Kineyah, is a gi'ass from four to six feet high, and
is found at the close of the ^^-et season on the plains and swamps
watered by the rivers which flow into the Gnlf of Carpentaria. The
seeds are large, aud when gi-ound in water, with the aid of stones, and
roasted, form a very nutritious food.
Tindil is another sijecies of grass found ou the plains south of the
Gulf of Carpentaria. It stands about two feet high, and has a seed
not unlike that of lucerne. When ground it is made into a paste and
placed in the hot ashes, where it becomes baked, resembling in
appearance a "damijor."* This seed contains a largo amount of
Tho Boab-tree, which is fouud in the country bordering the Gulf
of Carpentaria, is perhaps one of the most important food-producing
ti'ees indigenous to Austi'alia. It reaches a height of about 80 feet,
and produces a beautiful white sweet-scented flower. The fruit
which is about the size of an emu's egg, consists of an outer woody
shell, within which are seeds about as large as ordinary beans. The
aborigines bake these seeds in the ashes, and fi'equently eat them in
thei • state.
il Bui (.ir<7!icnrin bidvdllii), fovind on the north part
of tho oast coast of Australia, chiefly in the mountainous region-!,
produces a fruit like a small pointed nut. Though the fruit apjiears
annually, it i.s more abundant every third year, when it is gathered
and stored by the aborigines for future use.
Medicinal properties of a varied character have been discovered
in many of the plants aud trees indigenous to Australia. Asa feverpreventive
some of the qualities of tho Evralyplus are well known.
The properties of certain plants in relation to disease, have been
studied by some of the tribes -with considerable success. Their
treatment is of a primitive character, but the broad principle that a
healing power exists in many membei-s of the vegetable world Ls
grounded on experience, and applied with a fair amount of discriminating
judgment. They are entirely ignorant of t i e complex methods
used in the prepai-ation of di'ugs, and the intricate processes foond
necessary in modem chemistry. They merely apply the curative
essence as they obtain it from its vegetable source.
• A lonf baked in I be »lies ia callt-d a "aBmpcr" l>j Colonkts.