10 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS, 
23. Banksia, spp., N.O. Proteacez, B.FI., v., 541. 
‘© Honeysuckle.” 
The name “honeysuckle” was applied to this genus by the 
early settlers, from the fact that the flowers, when in full bloom, 
contain, in a greater or lesser quantity, a sweet, honey-like liquid, 
which is secreted in considerable quantities, especially after a 
dewy night, and is eagerly sucked out by the aborigines. “It is 
so abundant in B. erzc¢folia and B. collina that when in flower the 
ground underneath large cultivated plants is in a complete state of 
puddle; bees and wasps become intoxicated, and many lose their 
lives in it.” (Smith: Déctronary of Useful Plants.) This may 
possibly be true of a particular Banksia cultivated under exceptional 
conditions. But certainly it does not apply, except in a very 
modified degree, to the case of any Banksia I have noticed, and 
since I observed the above statement I have taken the trouble to 
look at hundreds of individuals of various species with the view to 
testing its accuracy. I have also requested Mr. Bauerlen (a 
collector for the Technological Museum) to make similar obser- 
vations, and he writes: —‘‘ I have never heard from anyone having 
observed the liquid exuding so abundantly as mentioned by 
Smith. I have often found the flowers pretty rich in the honey- 
like liquid, and when travelling over dry, waterless areas I have 
sometimes sucked the liquid from the flowers to quench my 
thirst, but always endeavour not to do so, as it invariably gives me 
a headache, and a feeling of nausea afterwards.’ See also 
Grevillea, Hakea, Telopea, Lambertia (all Proteaceous plants). 
Throughout Australia. 
24. Billardiera scandens, Smzth (Syn. B. mutabiiis, Salisb.; 
B. latifolia, Putterl.; B. grandiflora, Putterl.; B. angustz- 
folia, DC.; B. canariensts, Wendl.,) N.O. Pittosporez, 
BE) ites: 
‘© Apple Berry.” 
The berries are acid and pleasant when fully ripe. From their 
shape children call them ‘‘ dumplings.’ When unripe, a small 
quantity of the juice produces very disagreeable and persistent 
heartburn. 
All the colonies except Western Australia. 
