382 BOTANY OP NORTH-EASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES, 



have a charming effect. Although Urticece are not a large Order 

 they comprise some colossal and slender trees, shrubs and herbs 

 which are widely distributed. The genus Ficus is represented 

 by seven species, the largest being F. maurophylla Desf. This 

 very tall tree has an enormous branching head, and at its base 

 there are large angles formed by the extraordinary development 

 of the roots. In old trees these angles are large enough to form 

 a comfortable temporary dwelling when a piece of calico has been 

 stretched over the top to keep out the rain. Reference has 

 already been made to the epiphytes that grow on this tree. I 

 have made a good yellow dye from Gudrania javanensis Trecul, 

 which may eventually prove of some commercial importance. 

 There is a beautiful variegated form of this species, but it appears 

 to be rare. The two species of Laportea, L. gigas Wedd., and L. 

 photiniphylla Wedd., are gigantic trees with very large leaves, 

 popularly known as " Stinging-trees." I have seen men suffering 

 agony from being stung by the leaves of these trees, but relief 

 can be obtained by rubbing the affected part with a bruised stem 

 of the "Cunjevoi" (Colocasia macrorrhiza Schott). Seven widely 

 distributed species and one variety of Casuarina comprise the 

 Gasuarinece of this area. With the exception of one species, G. 

 distyla Vent., which is generally of shrubby habit, they are 

 trees, some of considerable size and yielding timber of great 

 industrial value. The branchlets of some species are relished lyy 

 cattle and sheep and sometimes lopped and fed to pasture animals 

 when other food is scarce. Two species are figured and described 

 in my indigenous "Forage Plants of Australia" (non grasses). 

 The Order Pijyeracece, includes, amongst others, one species, Piper 

 novce-hollandice Miq., allied to the pepper plant of commerce. It 

 is a tall climber, often clothing the trunks of trees in the dense 

 forests with its large, seven-nerved leaves. It may eventually 

 prove of some commercial or medicinal value. Fagus moorei 

 F.v.M., of the Gupuliferce, is, as far as is at present known, the 

 only true " Beech " indigenous to New South Wales. This noble 

 tree is found in the mountainous parts of the western portion of 

 this region. It has a wider range of growth than is generally 



