6 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
rt. Alsophila australis, R.Br., (Syn. A. excelsa, R.Br. > 
A. Cooperi, Hook., et Bak.,) N.O. Filices, B.Fl., vii., 710, 
for A. australis, and 711 for A. excelsa and A. Coofpert. 
Bentham, however, expresses some doubts as to whether 
these may not be distinct species after all, and Baron 
Mueller (Cens., p. 137) records A. australis and A. excelsa 
as distinct species. Dr. Woolls further discusses the subject. 
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., vi., 746. 
“Tree Fern.” The aboriginals of Illawarra (New South Wales) used 
to call it ‘“‘ Beeow-wang,” and the aboriginals of Queensland, ‘‘ Nanga- 
nanga.” The aboriginals of the Corranderrk Station (Victoria) call it 
** Pooeet.” 
The pulp of the top of the trunk is full of starch, and is 
eaten raw and roasted by the aboriginals. This whitish substance 
is found in the middle of the tree from the base to the apex, and 
when boiled tastes like a bad turnip. Pigs feed on it greedily. 
(See also Tasmanian Fournal for 1842, p. 35-) 
Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, for 
A. australis; the two latter colonies for A. excelsa. 
12. Amarantus viridis, Z7mv., (Syn. Euxolus viridis, Mogq.,) 
N.O. Amarantacex, B.Fl., v., 215... Bentham considers this 
may be introduced, and Mueller (Cens.) omits it. 
This weed is a perfect nuisance in gardens and roadsides, but 
Mr. F. M. Bailey points out that besides being a fair substitute 
for cabbage, the leaves have been used externally with advantage 
as an emollient poultice. I have had this plant cooked, and I do 
not hesitate to pronounce it a valuable vegetable. It is an excel- 
lent substitute for spinach, being far superior to much of the 
leaves of the white beet sold for spinach in Sydney. Next to 
spinach it seems to be most like boiled nettle leaves, which when 
young are used in England, and are excellent. This amarantus 
should be cooked like spinach, and as it becomes more widely 
known, it is sure to be popular, except amongst persons who may 
consider it beneath their dignity to have anything to do with so 
common a weed. 
All the colonies. 
