Feb. S,190S.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.TT. 101 



Edible Trees and Shrubs. 



II. W. PEACOCK. 



Perhaps the most striking feature of the Flora of the central portion of 

 Australia is the large proportion of trees and shrubs which are edible. In 

 the western districts of New South Wales, where the rainfall is meagre and 

 subject to prolonged periods of dry weather, these trees and shrubs are of 



'^ 



Kurrajong {Sterculia diversifolia), (i. Dou. 



peculiar value. Their drought resistance is remarkable. They being evolved 

 under droughty conditions possess characteristics which allow of develop- 

 ment under adverse conditions. For example : the root system of the kurra - 

 jong allows of plant-food being stored in tuberous-like sections, which is 

 drawn upon in dry years. The harsh narrow phyllodia or leaves of the 

 acacias present the least transpiring surfaces to the hot rays of the sun. 

 They also are attached vertically and throw the least possible shadow. The 



