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in abundance; in fact, it stands drought here better than the Salt-bush. If it is an edible tree or shrub, 
atockowners will no doubt encourage its growth. It grows apparently straight clown in the ground, as if 
it has a tap-root, and roots do not spread out near the surface. A short way from the top of the tree in 
the middle all round, seeds grow in abundance, but below the middle seeds do not grow. 
Mr. Peacock, then of the Coolabah Experiment Farm, wrote not long 
afterwards 
Grows to the height of from 15 to 25 feet, the trunk, limbs and leaves having a bluish-green colour 
having a rather pleasant, pungent, bitter taste. The leaves are eaten by stock when nothing better is 
available. 
It was not, however, found immediately about the Farm, for while on a visit, 
Mr. Peacock told me that the only Mustard bush of the district known to him was at 
Willeroon, some miles away. 
Bark. A number of years ago I wrote 
This bark contains a peculiar, bitter, and perhaps possesses medicinal properties. The taste 
is, however, quite distinct from quinine. Its leaves resemble horse-radish or turnips in taste. The bark 
is smooth, and when quite fresh, of a pinkish colour. In describing an allied species (0. attstralis), Hooker 
(Bot. Miscell., i, 245) says, " While dissecting the flowers and fruit, they were found to diffuse a most 
powerful smell, resembling that of ether." 
I do not know whether the plant has been subjected to chemical analysis. 
Timber. " The wood soft and sappy " and odorous, as already stated. It 
is yellowish in colour, and has been compared to Kurrajong, also an exceptionally 
light-weight timber. I do not know any use to which it has been put. ' Wood as 
soft and as light as deal." (K. H. Bennett.) 
Size. A small tree, usually between 15 and 25 feet in height. 
Habitat. It is a native of the drier parts of Australia. The following localities 
are quoted by Bentham in the Flora Australiensis : 
New South Wales, Lachlan, Darling and Murray deserts, Mitchell, Victorian 
and other Expeditions, Mount Murchison, Bonney. 
Sir Thomas Mitchell was north of the Murray, and (" Three Expeditions," ii, 
121) he found on a sand hill or fiat Eucalyptus dumosa country a solitary tree. ' The 
leaves, bark and wood tasted strongly of horse-radish. We now obtained specimens 
of its flower and seed, both of which seemed very singular." 
Following are some localities represented in the National Herbarium, Sydney : 
New South Wales." Poplar "; Native name, " Cucurdie." "A tall slender 
growing tree, attaining a height of 30 feet. In appearance it somewhat resembles 
the European Poplar, hence the name. The bark and leaves possess a remarkably 
pungent taste, resembling water-cress, but very much stronger. Stock will not touch 
it. When young, it has a very graceful appearance. The wood is soft and light as 
deal." (K. H. Bennett, Ivanhoe, via Hay.) 
