PHYSIOGRAPH J ' OF . 1 ! 'S '1'R. I I.ASIA. 



'347 



plants of commercial value), make their appearance as indigenous, the two latter like- 

 wise far towards the south-east. 



Quite restricted to the north-west is the Baobab-tree (Adansonia (ire^orii), wonderful 

 to behold, the grayish smooth stems enlarging to a vast turgidity, so much so that a 

 whole exploring party may find shade and shelter under a single tr< <, even should it be 

 at the time devoid of its foliage, particularly when the trunk-like ramifications in ample 

 space emanate already from near the base of the stem. Furthermore occurs there the 

 sacred Lotus of the Egyptians, or the Padma of the Hindoos (\clitmho nniijcra), 

 though only rarely so far visible with its large white or rosy flowers of inexpressible 

 beauty, a leading food-plant among aquatics of tropic and sub-tropic regions, the only 

 other Nclumbo being North American, and yellow-flowered ; gorgeous to an extreme are 

 also our two floating water-lilies (Nymphcea stcllata and N. gigantea) t in their display of 

 flowers from the purest white to deep blue or rich crimson, a floral grandeur. 



A Eugenia, with the aspect of a Weeping-Willow (E. cucalypioidcs), lines many of 

 the river-banks, grateful for the shade it affords, and much esteemed by the nomads of 

 this region for its edible fruit. Still more valuable is the very palatable fruit of the 

 "Nonda;" but that tree extends also far eastward, having been first brought under 



A liASKKT OF AUSTRALIAN \\I1D-II.OWKRS. 



cognizance by the unfortunate Leichhardt, whose fate and that of his companions, often 

 but vainly sought out, remain even now unascertained. 



Hibiscus-shrubs and Convolvulus-like Ipomtras assume also far west many grand forms. 

 A rather tall Bamboo (Bambusa Arnhcmica), graces sparingly the banks of the Adelaide 



