78 



hockings' garden manual. 



cooking, on account of its size, it is generally cut in 

 half, or quartered. In color it is pure white, ranging 

 to straw color, and in flavor and consistence it is mid- 

 way between good new wheaten bread and sweet 

 potato. When taken warm out of the native oven it 

 is an extremely palatable food, and its wholesomeness is 

 sufficiently attested by its general use. It grows freely 

 from the root,, and is propagated by suckers, of which 

 abundance may be obtained around the old trees. It 

 is well worthy of introduction, and is likely to thrive 

 in the tropical districts of the colony, if planted in rich 

 soil and warm aspect. 



THE CAPE GOOSEBERRY- 



(Physalis Peruviana— Alkekengi). 



The plant is found growing wild in the scrubs in 

 the vicinity of Brisbane, and many other parts of the 

 colony. It is a rambling herbaceous plant, producing 

 a profusion of fruit, which forms an excellent substi- 

 tute for the gooseberry. In flavor it is agreeable, 

 making a good pie fruit ; a very fine jelly is also pre- 

 pared from it. 



The cultivation of this plant is identical with that 

 of the tomato, which it much resembles in habit. 



THE CHERRY. 



The Cherry is not likely to prove of much value for 

 cultivation in Queensland ; but in those districts where 

 it will mature its fruit, it will be a very welcome addi- 

 tion to the garden, in consequence of its ripening so 

 early in the season. There are some good sorts, natives 

 of the south of Italy, and, if they could be obtained 

 trom there direct, or from the Southern States of Ame- 

 rica, they might be found adapted to the climate of 

 Brisbane. 



