554 AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS HUMAN FOOD-PROVIDING PLANTS, 



" The substance used is the inner white or cellular portion of the 

 plant. This is submitted to pressure, mechanical or hydraulic. 

 The juice expressed is boiled till a scum rises to the surface. This 

 scum is skimmed off, lime being used to assist in the operation. 

 After clarification, the juice is filtered through animal charcoal, 

 and again boiled. The clear syrup thus produced may then be 

 crystallised and manipulated by the process used to produce sugar 

 from cane." 



210. XiMENiA AMERICANA, Linn., (Syn. X. elUptica, Forst.; X. 

 laurina, Del.; X. exarmata, F.v.M.), N.O. Olacinese, B.Fl., 

 i., 391. X. elliptica in Muell. Cens., p. 63. 



This plant bears round orange-coloured fruits, of which the 

 natives of the South Sea Islands are very fond, though they are 

 rather tart [Treasury of Botany). Before they are ripe they 

 possess a powerful odour of essential oil of almonds. 



211. ZiZYPHUS JUJUBA, Lam., N.O. Rhamneae, B.Fl., i., 412. 



" Jujube" tree of India. " Balyan" is an aboriginal name, but 

 of course it is different to the " Balyan," of p. 555. 



This tree yields an excellent dessert fruit, and is largely culti- 

 vated by the Chinese, who recognise a great number of varieties, 

 differing in the shape, colour and size of the fruits {Treasury of 

 Botany). In India it is much cultivated. 



Queensland. 



212. ZiZYPHUS (Enoplia, Mill, (Syn. Z. celtidfolia, DC; Z. 

 rufula, Miq.; Z. Napeca, Roxb.), N.O. Rhamneae, B.Fl., 

 i., 412. 



In India the fruit is eaten by t he natives, its ta.st being 

 pleasantly acid, and a great favourite with the thirsty traveller; 

 mice are fond of it {Cyclop, of India). 



Northern Australia. 



