152 AUSTRALIAN BOTAN\. 



MONQPHYLLA. (Natural Order, Leguminos^e.) Pp.30, 

 35, 54, 198. — This pretty climber is very common through- 

 out Victoria. It is most frequently found growing on rocky 

 hills in stiff soils, and is abundant on the Yarra, in the 

 Dandenong and other ranges. It has ovate leaves, and very 

 handsome violet or lilac flowers. A white-flowered variety, 

 of more shrubby habit, is common around Melbourne. 

 The root is supposed by some to possess properties similar 

 to those of the American Sarsaparilla (Smilax), and is often 

 used as a domestic medicine in the bush; but the idea is 

 erroneous. The species is also found in other parts of 

 Australia, It is mistaken for the true Australian Sarsaparilla 

 {Smilax glycyphyUd). to which its leaves have at first sight 

 some resemblances, and in company with which it is 

 frequently found throughout Eastern New South "Wales. It 

 cannot possess any of the medicinal properties belonging to 

 the Sarsaparilla, and its effects are more likely to be injurious 

 than beneficial, judging from its affinities. Muehlenbeckia 

 adpressa, a pretty climber common throughout Australia, is 

 known as Native Sarsaparilla in South Australia. 



Native Scarbush.— PULTEN.EA SCABRA. (Natural 

 Order, Legumixosje.) P. 32. — A rough - leaved, much- 

 branched mountain shrub, from 4 to 5 feet high, indigenous 

 to Victoria and New South "Wales. 



Native Scarlet-runner.— KENNEDYA PROSTRATA. 

 (Natural Order, Legumixos^:; sub-order, Papilioxace.e.) 

 p. 54. — This trailing plant has bright scarlet flowers, and 

 usually hairy obovate leaflets. It is plentifully distributed 

 throughout Victoria and several of the other Australian 

 colonies. It is common on low lands near the sea, and also 

 on sub-Alpine elevations, usually on heavy, dry, clayey soils. 



