526 AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS HUMAN FOOD-PROVIDING PLANTS, 



The nuts are relished by the aboriginals. An arrowroot of very- 

 good quality is obtained from them. 

 New South Wales and Queensland. 



131. Marattia fraxinea, Smith, (Syn. M. salicina, Smith}, 

 N.O. Filices, B.Fl., vii., 695. 



The aboriginals used to feed on the pith of this tree-fern, 

 which contains a certain amount of starch similar to sago 

 (Forster). The roots were used for a similar purpose. 



This plant is not endemic in Australia. 



New South Wales and Queensland. 



132. Marlea Vitiensis, Bentham, (Syn. Rhytidandra vitiensis, 

 A. Gray ; R. poli/osmoides, F.v.M. ; Pseudalangium polt/os- 

 moides, F.v.M.); N.O. Cornace?e, B.FL, iii., 3S6. Rhyti- 

 dandra vitiensis in Muell. Cens., p. 74. 



" Musk-tree." 



The fruit is edible (P. O'Shanesy). 

 This plant is not endemic in Australia. 

 New South Wales and Queensland. 



133. Marsdenia Leichhardtiana, F.v.M., (Syn. Leichhardtia 

 australis, R.Br.), N.O. Asclepiadacete, B.FL, iv., 341. 



" Doubah " or '' Doobah " (aboriginal name for pods). It is 

 the " Carcular " of the Central Australian aboriginals. 



The milky unripe fruits of this tree are eaten by the aborigines. 

 In this state they are about the size of a large acorn, but more 

 pointed at the ends. Sir Thomas Mitchell speaks of the abori- 

 ginals as eating the fruits, seeds and all, but they were pronounced 

 better roasted. 



All the colonies except Tasmania. 



134. Marsilea. quadrifolia, Linn., N.O. Marsileacese, B.FL, 

 vii , 683 (where see synonymy). 



" Clover-fern," " Nardoo." 



