. 634 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
In the early days of the colony the smiths used to give the 
aborigines trifles for a supply of stems of this plant, which they 
used for twisting round their punches and other implements while 
working heated iron. 
New South Wales. 
63. Thespesia populnea, Corr., (Syn. Hibiscus populneus, Willd.); 
N.O., Malvacee, B.FI., i., 221. 
The inner bark of the young branches yields a tough fibre, 
fit for cordage, and used in Demerara for making coffee bags, and 
the finer pieces of it for cigar envelopes. (Treasury of Botany.) 
Queensland and Northern Australia. 
64. Typha anoustifolia, Linn., N.O., Typhacez, B.F1., vii., 159. 
A “Bullrush.” (For other vernacular names and synonyms, see 
“* Foods.’’) 
The soft woolly inflorescence of the male spadix is applied 
like cotton to wounds and ulcers -in India. (Dymock.) The 
leaves are used for making mats. This plant is used in the con- 
struction of buoyant mattresses in the Italian navy, and in bringing 
the subject before the Royal Society of Tasmania (Proc. 1882, 
p- 163), Mr. James Barnard gives a very full account of all 
the numerous uses recorded of the species. 
Throughout the colonies. 
65. Urena lobata, Z7zz., N.O., Malvacez, B.FI., i., 206. 
The inner bark of this plant yields abundance of fibre, 
resembling jute rather than flax or hemp. (Zreasury of Botany.) 
This plant is not endemic in Australia. 
Queensland and Northern Australia. 
66. Xerotes spp, especially X. longifolia, #.2r., (Syn. Lomandra 
longifolia, Labill.); N.O., Juncacez, B.FI., vii., 97. 
Called “‘ Karawun”’ by the Yarra (Victoria) aboriginals. 
The leaves are used for basket work by the aboriginals. 
Throughout the colonies. 
