78 AUSTRALIAN GRASSES AND PASTURE PLANTS 



Another analysis has given slightly different results. The 

 Cattle Bush produces an abundance of seed under ordinary 

 conditions, and is easily reproduced, and to this circumstance 

 may be attributed its presence in such numbers in many parts 

 of the interior. 



Colane (Owenia acidula) is a highly ornamental, umbrag- 

 eous tree, growing about twenty-five feet high, with a symmet- 

 rical head of elegant foliage densely crowded at the ends of 

 the branchlets. It occurs in the interior of New South Wales 

 and Queensland, but nowhere very plentifully. The Colane 

 is regarded as a good fodder tree, as stock have a great liking 

 for its leaves, and cattle will eat them as high as they can 

 reach, leaving the lower branches trimmed as neatly as if 

 they had been clipped into shape with a pair of garden shears. 

 The chemical analysis of the partially dried leaves of this 

 tree, by the authority above quoted, gave the following 

 results : 



Water .. .. .. 49.01 



Ash .. .. .. 6.86 



Fibre .. .. .. 12.47 



Albuminoids .. .. .. 9.19 



Carbohydrates . . . . 21.35 



Nutrient value, 33; albuminoid ratio, 1:2. 



Although the Colane occasionally produces an abundance 

 of fruit, which, when ripe, falls off and lies thickly upon the 

 ground under the branches, young plants are rarely seen, as 

 sheep and other herbivora probably devour them before 

 they have an opportunity to grow tall. The ripe fruit is from 

 three to four inches in circumference, the succulent outer 

 portion being of a rich crimson colour, and rather acidulous 

 to the taste, hence its specific name ; but it is eaten by the 



