512 AUSTRAXIAN INDIGENOUS HUMAN FOOD-PROVIDING PLANTS, 



84. Eugenia myrtifolia, Sims, (Syn. jE. aicstralis, Wendl. ; 

 Jambosa aicstralis, L>C. ; J. Thozetiana, F.v.M.), N.O. 

 Myrtacese, B.Fl., iii., 286. 



" Brush cherry " or " Native myrtle." 



The fruit is acid, and makes a good preserve. 



" The red juice of the fruit of this tree is similar in its pro- 

 perties to that of red grapes. It contains free tartaric acid, 

 cream of tartai*, sugar, and a red colouring matter very sensitive 

 to the action of acids and alkalies. By fermentation it yields 

 wine possessing a bouquet. Tha colouring matter, which is 

 soluble in alcohol and ether-alcohol l)ut not in pure ether, is 

 precipitated Vjy lead-acetate, decolourised by reducing agents, and 

 recovers its red colour on exposure to the air, just like litmus and 

 the red colour of wine " (De Luca and Ubaldini, in Watt's Diet., 

 vi., 1st. Suppt., 608). 



New South Wales and Queensland. 



85. Eugenia Smithii, Poir., (Syn. Acmena Jloribunda, var. /3, 



DC. ; A. eUiptica, Don ; Myrtus iSmithii, Spreng. ; Syzy- 

 gium hrachynemum, F.v.M.) ; N.O. Myrtacese, B.Fl., iii., 

 283. 



" Lilly-pilly." Called " Tdgerail" by the aboriginals of lUawarra, 

 New South Wales, and "Coochin-coochin" by some Queensland 

 aboriginals. 



The fruits are eaten by the aboriginals, small boys, and birds. 

 They are formed in profusion, are acidulous, and wholesome. They 

 are white with a purplish tint, and up to 1 inch in diameter. 



Victoria to Northern Australia. 



86. Eugenia Tierneyana, F.v.M., N.O. Myrtaceae, B.FL, iii., 



284. 



The fruit of this tree is used for jam-making by the settlers. It 

 is produced in very large quantities. 

 Queensland. 



