374 BOTANY OF NORTH-EASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES, 



point of view is Actinotus helianthi Labill. It is common in 

 some of the mountainous country, where it is known as the 

 "Australian edelweiss " or "flannel flower," and some forms pro- 

 duce very large involucres. This species is variable in habit in 

 different situations, and specimens with fasciated stems may 

 occasionally be seen. The allied Order Araliacece includes some 

 highly ornamental trees and shrubs. The three species of Astro- 

 tricha, which are fairly abundant in many places, are remarkable 

 for the stellate tomentum covering the upper part of their 

 branches, inflorescence and underside of the leaves. Panax 

 murra/ji F.v.M , and P. elegans F.v.M., are two handsome trees 

 with very large, pinnate leaves, often several feet long. The 

 other two species of Panax are of shrubby habit with elegantly 

 divided leaves. There is only one genus and species (Marlea 

 vitiensis Benth.) of Cornacecs known in Australia, and this is 

 found in the North-East as well as in Queensland. This large 

 tree has leaves from three to five inches long, and flowers 

 arranged in short, axillary cymes. Its fruit is ovoid and about 

 half an inch long. It yields a very good timber, which is known 

 locally as " Muskwood." 



The Order Loranthaceai includes three genera, fourteen species 

 and one variety. These parasitical plants are found on many 

 species of trees and shrubs ftubiacew consist of a number of 

 interesting small trees, shrubs, climbers, and herbs, and are fairly 

 well distributed. Some species produce highly fragrant flowers, 

 and when in bloom give a delicious perfume to the surrounding 

 air. The fruit of Gardenia chartacea F.v.M., is oval, about the 

 size of a small plum, and red when ripe. Its seeds are enveloped 

 in a pulp pleasant to the taste. An allied shrub or small tree, 

 Randia densiflora Benth., bears a globular or ovoid, scarlet fruit 

 which forms a pleasing contrast to its shining green foliage. 

 One of the most floriferous climbers is Ccelospermitm panicidatum 

 F.v.M. Its white flowers are borne in cymes forming a dense, 

 oblong, terminal panicle, and the globular fruit is of a purplish 

 colour when ripe. Although Compositw are well represented 

 both as regards genera and species, they do not grow nearly as 



