A NEW SPECIES OF ARAUCARIA. 505 
seed; this part of the scale, therefore, in the cones soon 
decays, and on being torn open, the seeds of a very large 
size and obovate, fall out blackened with the decayed pulpy 
matter. The seeds are 2 or 2} inches long, and $ of an inch 
broad. 
Besides the specimens from which the above description 
is chiefly compiled, Mr. Bidwill has also kindly furnished 
me with male catkins, of which one is represented at f. 3. ; 
but whether found on the same or a different plant from the 
female, or on what part of the branches they are produced, 
I am ignorant. They are about 4 inches long, stout, cylin- 
drical, apparently terminal on short leafy branches, and are 
composed of a great number of oblong scales closely com- 
pacted, presenting each on the outside a convex apex with an 
incurved point, beneath each scale are apparently six or more 
oblong anther-cells longitudinally placed; but their exact 
structure is not distinctly apparent. 
“The native name of this tree is Banza-tunza, or Banya- 
tunya. The fruit it is said ripens only once in three years, 
and the precise period of the year when it does ripen seeds, 
does not seem to be known to the Aborigines who visit the 
trees at different periods to mark how it advances. The seed 
which is twice as large as that of the Chili pine, before it is ripe 
is very sweet, but acquires the same bean-like flavour, which 
has been remarked in those of 4. imbricata, as it approaches 
maturity. It is greedily eaten by the natives at all times, 
before ripeness, raw; and when ripe, roasted and pounded 
into cakes. I have never heard of any white man who had 
tasted the ripe seed. 
“The wood is very close grained, and is said to be very 
durable ; but I do not know that any person can tell this, for 
I am certain that no tree has ever been cut down. I have 
seen a piece of wood, but it was cut from a plant 5 inches 
through and square, and strongly resembled Kawri (Dam- 
mara australis, appearing, however, firmer and closer 
grained.”  Bidwill. 
Tas. XVIII. XIX. Fig. 1. Branch of Araucaria Bid- 
