160 
says, " We there met with (on the banks of the Narran River, say in lat. 29) a ne\v species 
of the rare and little-known genus Geijera, forming a strong-scented shrub, about 10 feet 
high, and having long, narrow, drooping leaves. Its fruit had a weak, peppery taste.'' 
This was the original reference to the Wilga. 
Aboriginal Name." Gingerah " (hard G), name in the Dubbo district, 
N.S.W., according to District Forester Samuels. 
Synonym. G. pendula Lindl., in Mitchell's Tropical Australia, 251. Possibly 
a variety of G. salici/olia (B.F1. i, 365). The original reference is, " Another new species 
of the genus Geijera formed a tree 20 feet high, with long, slender, weeping branches. 
It was otherwise much like the G. parviflora, except that its flowers were larger." It 
was collected " under the tropic line," going north (say, west of Eockhampton). I 
think it is only an exuberant form of the Wilga. It must be borne in mind that the 
species varies in length and width of leaf, and in the amount of the tendency to be 
drooping. 
Leaves. Mr. R. W. Peacock had a good deal of experience with this plant, 
particularly in the Bogan country, N.S.W., when he was in charge of the Experiment 
Farms at Girilambone and Nyngan. Here are two of his statements : 
1. Sheep eat the foliage of it but not freely, only when grass cannot be got. 
2. This elegant shrub or tree is not relished by stock sufficiently in this district 
to be considered anything more than of second-rate value. It is always neatly trimmed 
by sheep around the bottom, and is rather ornamental, it being one of the most beautiful 
of our native trees. It provides an excellent shade, and is sometimes called the 
" Boundary Rider's Delight." Sheep will eat it better after it has been felled for some 
time to allow of the wilting of the leaves, but will leave it for many of the others above- 
mentioned. Cattle are not fond of it. I have seen young Wilgas untouched by cattle 
fed solely upon scrub. It has the peculiarity of being browsed upon more during certain 
periods of the year. [The italics are mine. J.H.M.] 
Then we have, " An edible tree for stock, but they are not very fond of it." 
(Letter of Secretary, Western Lands Board, in 1907.) 
' It is not a very valuable fodder tree. In some parts of the Bourke district 
sheep do not appear to touch it, but it is generally kept trimmed by stock, especially 
sheep." (A. W. Mullen, L.S.) 
Speaking of South Australia, Mr. S. Dixon states that sheep only are particularly 
fond of this bush, and it seems quite unaffected by droughts. 
Because of its value to the pastoralist, it is one of the trees exempt from the 
operation of licenses or permits to fell under certain regulations affecting leases of Crown 
lands. 
