HUMAN FOODS. 59 
186. Solanum simile, /v.47, (Syn. S. laciniatum, var. R.Br., 
S. fasciculatum, F.v.M.), N.O., Solanezx. B.FI., iv., 448. 
Called ‘“‘ Quena,” by aboriginals in South Australia. 
The blacks are fond of the fruit, but do not eat it until it has 
fallen to the ground. Both black and white men agree that to eat 
many will cause sickness. The fruit causes a hot burning taste in 
the mouth, but its scent reminds me of that of strawberries. 
(Annie F. Richards, Proc. R.S.S.A., iv., 136.) 
All the colonies, except Tasmania and Queensland. 
187. Sonchus oleraceus, Zzuz., (Syn. S. asper, Fuchs; S. 
ciliatus, Lam.; S. fallax, Wallr.), N.O., Composite, B.FI., 
ili., 679. The genus Somchus is omitted from Muell. Cens. 
Commonly called ‘‘Sow-thistle.” It is the ‘‘ Thalaak”’ of the East 
Gippsland aborigines. 
The stems and roots are eaten. (Hooker.) Leichhardt, in 
his Overland Fourney to Port Essington, says that the young 
shoots of Somchus made an excellent vegetable. This plant is 
not endemic in Australia. 
Throughout the colonies. 
188. Sterculia diversifolia, G. Don., (Syn. Brachychiton popul- 
neum, R.Br. ; Pecilodermis populnea, Schott.), N.O., Stercu- 
liacez, B.FI., i., 229. Brachychiton populneum in Muell. 
Cens.,-p.! 15. 
“Black Kurrajong.” The ‘‘ Bottle-tree ” of Victoria. 
The tap-roots of young trees, and the young roots of old 
trees, are used as food by the aborigines. (Macarthur.) When 
boiled they have a flavour similar to that of turnips, but sweeter. 
The seeds of this and other species are edible, and make a good 
beverage. 
Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. 
189. Sterculia quadrifida, R.Br., N.O., Sterculiacez, B.FI., i., 
227. 
A “ Kurrajong.” ‘ Calool,” of the aborigines of northern New South 
Wales, ‘“ Convavola” is another aboriginal name. 
The black seeds taste like filberts. As many as eleven of 
the brilliant scarlet fruits may be seen in a cluster, and each of 
