BY J. H. MAIDEN. 533 



"149. Nelumbium speciosum, Willd., (Syn. JV. nucifera, Gaertn.), 

 ' N.O. Nympheacese, B.FL, i., 62. Nelumbo nucifera, in 

 Muell. Cens., p. 1. 



"Sacred Lotus," "Pink water-lily." "Aquaie " of the abori- 

 ginals.. 



This plant was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. It no 

 longer is found on the Nile, but in many parts of Asia, and in 

 India, China, and Japan it is still held sacred. In China, India, 

 and Noi'th Australia the root, stock and seeds are used as food, 

 while medicinal properties are assigned to the viscid juice of the 

 leaf-stalks (Treasury of Botany ). 



The seeds are eaten raw, or roasted as coffee (Hooker). 



Queensland and Northern Australia. 



150. NiTRARiA ScHOBERl, Linn., (Syn. N. Billardieri, DC; N. 

 Olivieri, Jaub. & Spach; ZygopTiyllum australasicun, Miq.), 

 N.O. Zygophyll^, B.FL, i. 291. 



" Karambi" of Port Lincoln natives. South Australia. 



It produces fruit of the size of an olive, of a red colour, and 

 agreeable flavour. " When the weather is hot the natives lie at 

 full length under a bush, and do not leave it until they have 

 stripped it of its berries (Wilhelmi, F7'oc. E. S. Vict. 1860, 

 p. 173). 



This plant is not endemic in Australia. 



All the colonies except Tasmania and Queensland, 



151. NTMPH.EA GIGANTEA, Hook. (Syn. iV. stellata, F.v.M.), 

 N.O. Nymphseaceae, B.FL, i., 61. JV. giganiea and N. 

 stellata are separated into two species, Muell. Cens., p. 1. 



Blue "Water-lily. " Yako Kalor" of the Bockhampton ab- 

 origines (Queensland), "Kaooroo" of those of Cleveland Bay; 

 " Arnurna" of those of the Mitchell Rivei'. 



The roots and fruit are eaten. The fl.ower-stalks, too, may be 

 eaten when young (Thozet), 



New South Wales, Queensland, and Northern Australia. 



