The South Australian Naturalist. 
69 
A RARE SOUTH AITSTRALIAN PLANT. 
By Ernest IL Ising. 
Uldinia mercurialis, J. M. Black. This new plant was found 
by me at Ooldea in September, 1920, and was described by Mr. 
Black in the Transactions of the Royal Society of S.A. (1). with 
a drawing (2). It is not only a new species, but a new genus had 
to be created in Umbeiliferae for its reception. The plant is pros- 
trate in habit and its steins spread flat on the ground, measuring 
about 12 inches across. The leaves are radical and deeply cut 
into 3 segments, which are lobed again. The flowers are very 
small and deep blue in colour forming simple umbels. The fruits 
are the most remarkable part of the plant, being distinguished 
from other Umbellifers by the possession of wings to the meri- 
carps. There are four horizontal rigid hooked wdngs, situated at 
the top on either side of the mericarps, wdiich also have tw'o row's 
of hooked prickles on the outside edge. 
The plant was only found in one small area of flat, sand\' 
soil and was associated with Eremophila alternifolia, Acacia 
Kempeana, etc. 
The name “Uldinia” is derived from the native name of 
Ooldea Soak, which has a wonderful supply of fresh wmter, which 
is drawn upon for the supply of the East-West Railwmy. The 
specific name was given in allusion to the fanciful resemblance of 
the appendages of the mericarps to the whnged feet of Mercury. 
(1) Vol. XLVL, (1922), 568. 
(2) Plate XXXVII, 2. 
A KINDRED SOCIETY. 
Some members of the W.E.A. (Workers Educational Associa- 
tion) classes at the University have formed a Ramblers’ Club. 
The initial outing was held on Saturday, August 1 6th., when a 
large^party took train for Hallett’s Cove Station and walked to 
the Cove. A halt was made at the famous glacial rock (origin- 
ally discovered by Mr. Stirling Smeaton but first described bv 
Professor Howchln). The leader for the afternoon. Air. Ham, 
of the F.N.S., described the Permo-Carboniferous glaciation of 
South Australia and made reference to the many interesting 
geological and physiographical features of the coast. A hearty 
invitation was given to members to join, in our owm excursions. 
DEATH OF Mrs. W. CHAMPION HACKETT. 
The death of Mrs. W. Champion Hackelt removes a. member 
T'fhx. greatly liked by all who came into contact 
VI nei. ^ Ihe deceased lady tvas a good worker for the Societ 3 % 
especially m connection with the Annual Show. 
