27 
Gidgea is a wood that burns completely to ash, both in the green and the dry state. Once alight 
it burns completely away, leaving a fine white ash. 
The Gidgea country is in the calcareous land west of the Darling. Gidgea prefers sandy or loamy 
soil, where it grows very thickly ; in fact, it takes possession of the land. Its average height is 25 to 
30 feet. Its wood is excessively hard, making splendid posts and rails, which stand well, and are almost 
proof against the white ant. 
The leaves of Gidgea Acacia contain a high percentage of albuminoid substances. The following is 
a partial analysis of a sample of the leaves :— 
Water ... ... ... ... ... ... ... = 35-26 
Albuminoids (N. x 6-25) . = 17-43 
Albuminoids calculated to dry substance ... ... = 26-92 
I have, however, never heard of stock touching it, on account of its offensive smell. 
Size. —A small or medium sized tree. 
Habitat. —The interior of Australia generally. For example : In New 
South Wales, Bourke and Brewarrina, and beyond the Darling River; Western 
Queensland ; also the northern areas of South Australia. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 121. 
a. Flowering branch, 
n. Flower-head. 
c. Individual bud. ' 
d. Flower. 
e. Bract found at the base of each flower. 
f. Flower, opened out, showing— 
(а) Calyx. 
(б) Corolla. 
(c) Stamens. 
(d) Pistil, 
u. Pod. 
h. One valve of a pod showing seeds. 
PHOTOGRAPHIC TLLUSTRATIONS. 
Gidgee trees, Darling District.—(Kerry, photo.) 
Gidgee, Western Queensland.—(J. F. Bailey, photo.) 
Gidgee, near Bourke.—(C. J. McMaster, photo.) 
