INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN FORAGE PLANTS. 221 



In times of scarcity this tree is of great value, as it withstands 

 drought, and sheep and cattle browse upon its foliage. Stock are 

 so partial to it in the interior districts that it is in danger of 

 extermination in parts, and it is a tree which should be conserved. 



71. Plantago varia, R. Br., B. FL, v., 139 (where see synonymy). 



Syn. : P. debilis, Nees. N.O. Plantaginese. Found in all 

 the Colonies. 



This plant is relished by stock. Speaking of an allied species 

 (P. lanceolata), an English writer observes : — " Its mucilaginous 

 leaves are relished by sheep, and, to a certain extent, by horses 

 and cattle, but it seldom answers as a crop, unless on very poor 

 land where little else will grow. It was generally sown with 

 clover, and this mixed crop is occasionally seen now on barren 

 soils : but there can be little doubt that the plantain is inferior 

 in produce, and probably in nutritive qualities, to many plants 

 that would grow equally well on the same land. Mingled with 

 grasses in permanent pasture, it may be beneficial in small 

 quantity, but tends, like all broad-leaved plants, to destroy the 

 more delicate herbage around it." 



72. Pomaderris racemosa, Rook., B. FL, i., 421. N.O. Rhamneae. 



Found in all the Colonies except Western Australia and 

 Queensland. 



The leaves when chewed or soaked are found to be slightly 

 mucilaginous ; this explains the fondness that stock have for this 

 plant. It always seems fresh and green, and stands stocking 

 well. (S. Dixon.) 



73. Psoralea tenax, Lindl., B. FL, ii, 193. N.O. Leguminosse. 



Found in New South Wales and Queensland. 



Considered a good fodder by some. (Bailey.) 



74. Pterigeron adscandens, Benth., B. FL, iii., 533. N.O. 



Compositse. Found in Queensland and Northern Australia. 



Specimens of this plant have been frequently sent to Brisbane 

 as a poison herb. (Bailey.) 



75. Rhogodia spp., B. FL, v., 151, etseq. N.O. Chenopodiace. 



"Salt-bushes." 



The plants are palatable to sheep and cattle on account of the 

 salt which they contain, nearly two ounces having been obtained 

 from two pounds of leaves ; and they are all more or less useful, 

 but the two following are perhaps best known. 



