PROCEEDINGS 
y 
OF THE 
LINNEAN SOCIETY 
OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
WEDNESDAY, JANUAEY 28th, 1880. 
The President, the Eev. J. E. Tenison-Woods, F.G.S., F.L.S. 
&c., in the Chair. 
MEMBER ELECTED. 
Percival Pedley, Esq., Hunter's Hill. 
DONATIOI^-S. 
Memoires de la Societe Nationale des Sciences Naturelles 
Cherbourg, 1878 ; from the Society. 
From Dr. Bancroft, Brisbane. (1.) Diseases in Plants and 
Animals. (2.) Microscope in our Garden. (3.) Fituri and 
Tobacco. 
From the President, a paper on a New Species of Millepora. 
papers read. 
Medicinal Plaints op Queensland. 
By F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., Cor. Mem. E.S. Tas., &c., &c. 
Some time since I wrote a series of papers on the Medicinal 
Plants of Queensland, which appeared in one of the country 
papers of the colony. As the articles were addressed to the 
general public, they were necessarily stripped of all technical 
2 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
details, and much information of a scientific character was thereby 
sacrificed. Since then, I have been enabled to extend my 
observations in this subject and think it may not be unworthy of 
a place in the proceedings of the Society, if I record all the 
information I now possess. The utility of the subject will not be 
questioned, and what is here given may serve to promote 
investigation in this most practical part of the science of botany. 
Looking at our Queensland Mora one is struck with the great 
number of species, which are either identical with, or closely 
related to those in other parts of the world, particularly India, 
where a great many have been used in the healing art with more 
or less success, as may be seen by reference to works on the 
subject. I shall therefore go through Bentham and Mueller's 
excellent work, the " Flora Australiensis, " and note all plants of 
our indigenous or naturalized flora that are mentioned in such 
works as Dr. Lindley's "Flora Medica " giving the properties 
for which they are noted. It might also be well to direct attention 
to a few plants, which probably contain medicinal qualities. Thus 
in the Northern scrubs, several species of Tetracera, a genus of 
Dillemacecu, are found climbing to the toj)s of the timber trees. 
The Queensland species of this plant are all endemic and untried, 
but the Brazilian species are used in the curing of certain 
complaints. Brasenia peltata, Pursh., of NympliceacecB, a curious 
water lily, which may be seen on a few of the ponds of still water 
near Brisbane, will be easily recognised by the mucilaginous 
substance which covers the young shoots, and its oval peltate 
floating leaves. In America it is considered nutritious, probably 
from the large-grained starch it contains. The leaves are 
astringent, and have been employed in phthisis and dysentery. 
Our beautiful pink water lily, Nelumhiiim sjjecio-nim, A\illd. is 
not without uiediciual qualities, for we are told b}- Eudlicher, 
that the milky viscid juice of the flower-stalks and leaf-stalks is 
a remedy in ludia agaiust sickness and diarrhosa. The petals of 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 3 
the flower are also stated to be astringent. The rootstock and 
seed are used as food in China, India, and also in Australia. 
Argemone mexicana, Tournefort. A plant of the Poppy family, 
with thistle-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, now naturalised 
in many parts of Queensland, is according to Dr. Lindley's 
"■ Flora Mediea," called by the Spaniards " Figo del inferno," on 
account of the powerful narcotic effects of its seeds, which are 
stronger than opium. An emulsion prepared from them acts as 
an anodyne and afterwards as a j^urgative. This effect is denied 
by some, by others it is stated that the oil obtained from the seeds 
is used in Nevis as a substitute for castor oil. In India the juice 
of the plant is used in chronic ophthalmia, and in primary syphilitic 
sores. The infusion is said to be diuretic, and to give relief in 
strangury from blisters. 
A tropical weed of the Caper family, Polanisia viscosa, DC, 
common in Northern Queensland, where H. W. Stone, Esq., 
states it is used by the natives to relieve headache. It is used in 
Cochin China as a counter irritant in the same way as sinapisms 
in Europe, and also as a vesicant. In the United States the roots 
are said to be used as vermifuge. The plant is covered with 
viscid hairs, leaves of from three to seven leaflets, flowers yellow, 
in terminal racemes, capsule long linear, containing numerous 
wrinkled seeds. 
suffruticosum, Griug., a plant of the order Violacece, from 
one to two feet in height, having alternate, linear leaves, bearing 
axillary filiform peduncles with a single small flower, all the 
petals of which are minute except the lowest, which is often 
lengthened to near half-an inch ; seeds beautifully marked with 
longitudinal striae. This species is common throughout Queensland 
also in Tropical Africa and Asia. In India the roots are used 
medicinally in diseases of the urinary organs, the leaves as an 
external application. Doubtless the other six species found in 
Australia would be equally efficacious. 
4 MEDICmAIi PLANTS OF|qTJEENSLAND, 
Of Cochlospermum a genus of Bixinec^ there are five species in 
Australia one of which is considered by Mr. Bentham likely to 
prove identical with the East Indian C. gossypium from the stems 
of which is obtained a gum, called kuteera, which is used as a 
substitute for gum tragacanth, because of its viscidity. A 
decoction of the roots of some of the Brazilian species is used 
against internal pains, particularly those resulting from falls. In 
the same parts, a decoction is said to cure abscesses. From the 
roots of an African species a yellow dye is obtained, which is 
called Fayar, used for dying cotton stuffs as well as in medicine 
in cases of amenorrhsea. From the above one we might fairly 
imagine our species to possess some medicinal virtues. The 
greatly admired shade tree of the beach at Oardwell, belonging 
to GuttifercB now well known by its botanical name of Calophyllum 
inophyllmn, Linn., besides its value as a shade tree in the tropics 
exudes from its trunk a greenish coloured resin called East Indian 
Tacamahac. The seeds also yield a thick, dark-green, strong- 
scented oil, employed in India for burning and also medicinally. 
In India an oil is expressed from the seeds of C. tomentosum, a 
tree according to Baron Mueller's ''Fragmenta Phytographise 
Australia," also met with in the ranges about Eockingham 
Bay. 
The three following Malvaceous plants have been found useful 
medicinally — Sida cordifolia, Linn. A coarse under shrub, more 
or less clothed with velvety, often star-shaped hairs, and some- 
what heart-shaped leaves borne on rather long stalks at the base 
of which it produces its small yeUow flowers. This plant, like 
our common Sida weed, to which it is closely allied, is met with 
in most tropical countries. In India the leaves are mixed with 
rice, and given to alleviate dysentery. The Queensland 
habitat is Peak Downs, &c. It may not be generally known 
that the ripe carpels of Sida rhomhifolia, Linn., the common Sida 
weed of Queensland often cause the death of fowls that feed on 
them, by the sharp terminal arms of the carpels irritating the 
BY F. M. BATLET, F.L.S. 5 
inside and causing inflammation. Eoots used in India as a 
remedy for rheumatism. 
Ahitilon indiciwi, G-. Don. A tall shrub with roundish toothed 
leaves, softly downy, flowers yellow, capsule hairy, widely spread 
in tropical Australia, Asia, and Africa, is used in India as the 
maUow is in Europe, as an emolient. 
TTrena lohata, Linn. A tall handsome shrub, with velvety 
roundish obtusely-lobed leaves, and pinkish axillary flowers, 
succeeded by carpels covered with hooked bristles. This shrub, 
which belongs to the tropics of both the new and old worlds, is 
commonly seen in Northern Queensland, and may be also met 
with in some of the gullies of Taylor's Eange, near Brisbane. 
In Brazil a decoction of the root and stem is used as a remedy for 
the windy colic, and the flowers as an expectorant in dry and 
inveterate coughs. 
Ca/ra/pa moluccensis, Lam. A small tree with pinnate leaves of 
two to six opposite leaflets of a coriaceous texture. It is found 
on our tropical coast and is of crooked growth. The tree which 
belongs to Meliacem is conspicuous from its large round shaddock 
like fruit, which contain four to six large irregular-shaped seeds. 
It is said to possess an extremely bitter principle. The seeds of 
other species yield valuable oils. Our Eed Cedar is another 
Meliaceous tree of value not only for its timber, but for its 
medicinal qualities. Thus, under its botanical name, Cedrela 
Toona, Eoxb., we find the bark spoken of as a powerful astringent 
and though not bitter, is said to be a good substitute for 
Peruvian Bark in the cure of remitting and intermitting fevers, 
particularly when joined with a small portion of the powdered 
seed of Guilandina Bonduccella, Linn., another of our plants which 
will be noticed in its proper order. In Java, according to Dr. 
Blimie the bark of this cedar is used with great success in the 
worst epidemic fevers, diarrhoea &c. It has been also used with 
advantage in dysentery, in the last stage when the inflammatory 
symptoms have disappeared. Some consider it especially useful 
6 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
in bilious fevers, and inveterate diarrhoea arising from atony of 
the muscular fibre. 
In the Buckthorn family we have two species of Zizi/jyTius, which 
have been found useful in the healing art. Z. (Enoplia, Mill, 
a straggling shrub, bearing sharp prickles and downy three to 
five nerved leaves, and fruit the size of peas, black, edible. It 
is said that a decoction of the bark of the fresh root j^romotes 
the healing of fresh wounds. Z.jujuha, Lam. A small tree, 
often planted in our gardens for its fruit, is, with the last found 
about Cape York and on the islands of the Gulf of Carpentaria 
in a wild state. Both are common in India, and of this last the 
fruit there is prepared into pectoral lozenges called ''Patede 
Jujube, " and the bark is emj)loyed in the Moluccas as a remedy 
for diarrhoea. The -^yqHj climber Carcliospermum SaUcacahum, 
Linn., called in Queensland Balloon climber, in other parts 
Heartseed, or Heartpea from the heart-shaped scar on the seed. 
In India the root is considered aperient, diaj)horetic and diuretic. 
The plant will be easily recognised by its climbing habit, twice 
ternate leaves, and bladder-like capsule, which resembles the 
calyx, that encloses the fruit of the Cape Gooseberry. 
SchnideUa serrata, DC, is a straggling shrub often met within 
the swamps of Northern Queensland near the coast. The leaves 
are of three leaflets and the berries bright red. The roots are 
astringent and are employed in India, where the plant is common 
to stop diarrhoea. These two last plants belong to Sapindacecu 
the Soapwort family. 
Leguminosae, one of the largest orders of Phsenogams is divided 
into three sub-orders, all of which are well represented in 
Australia. The known genera are a little over 400, examples of 
about a fourth are found in Australia. To this order we are 
indebted for very many useful and ornamental plants, but after 
enumerating many of its products Dr. Lindley says: — ''There 
is this, however to be borne in mind, in regarding the qualities 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 7 
of the order in a general point of view, viz., that upon the whole 
it must be considered poisonous, and that those species which 
are used for food by man or animals are exceptions to the general 
rule, the deleterious juices of the order not being in such instances 
sufficiently concentrated to prove injurious and being in fact 
replaced to a considerable extent by either sugar or starch." 
This is verified in the first plant that will be brought into notice, 
which by taking the tribes of the first sub-order Papilionacecd in 
their proper order we find is Gastrolohium grandiflorum, F.v. Muell. 
the Northern Poison Bush. This can scarcely be said to come 
under the denomination of a medicinal plant, yet the active 
principle which so sadly destroys stock, in the hands of a medical 
man could doubtless be made to serve some useful purpose, and 
it is to be hoped that before long attention will be turned to this 
and a few other similar dangerous plants, and a careful course of 
experiments carried out, which would be far better than a mere 
analysis of the plants by a chemist The plant in question is 
worthy of a j)lace in the garden from the beauty of its flowers ; 
it grows to a few feet in height ; has opposite (or at times a few 
alternate) leaves, which are usually oblong, obtuse, with a notch 
at the end, and covered with close silky down. The flowers are 
produced at the ends of branchlets in short racemes, and in colour 
resembles the English Wallflower f Cheiranthus Cheri, Linn.). 
Tephrosia purpurea, Pers., is a small straggling under shrub 
with pinnate leaves and purple small flowers, the racemes of which 
are usually opposite the leaves. There are several varieties of 
this species ; the Brisbane form may be seen on the borders of 
creek scrubs. A decoction of the bitter root is prescribed by 
Indian doctors in dyspepsia, dysentery and tympanites. 
Seshcmla grandijlora, Pers. A soft- wooded, rapid growing, small 
tree of short duration, having long glaucous pinnato leaves of 
often 20 to 30 oblong leaflets, common in India, found towards 
our North-western boundary; is said to possess a powerfully bitter 
tonic bark. The tree is of common occurrence in the gardens 
8 MEDICINAIj plants of QTJEENSLAin), 
around Brisbane ; its quick growth, large white flowers, and 
graceful foliage causing it to be a general favourite. 
S. ^gyptiaca, Pers., another sj)ecies of this genus found around 
the Gulf of Carpentaria, and also in Asia and Africa, is said by 
the Hindoos to possess the power of hastening suppuration when 
applied as a poultice, which is simply made with warmed leaves 
moistened by a little castor oil. The flowers of this species are 
yellow and purple, borne in pendulous racemes. 
S. aculeata, Pers., is much more generally met with in Australia 
and although I find no medicinal properties attributed to it, yet 
probably it would serve the same purposes as the last. It is also 
similarly wide-spread in other countries ; its favourite habitat 
in Queensland is on the borders of swamps. In Northern 
Queensland, according to Mr. T. A. Grulliver, the natives make 
bread of the seeds. I am of opinion that this is the true Nardoo 
of the Cooper's Creek natives. The unfortunats explorers, 
Burke and Wills, might easily have mistaken the sporecases of a 
Marsilea for the shelled-out seeds of Seshania. Writing to my 
friend Mr. Grulliver on the subject, he says : — ^^ I think it quite 
possible that such a mistake was made by the unfortunate 
explorers who first brought the ''Nardoo" into notice, more 
especially as I find the natives here (Nonnan Eiver) do not seem 
to care about the Marsilea seed, and as far as I have seen it does 
not produce sufi&cient seed to make it worth collecting ; whereas 
the Seshania is very prolific and can be gathered without any, or 
rather, with very little trouble. This species has more numerous 
leaflets than the last, the flowers are also smaller, with erect 
racemes. The prickles are minute, or altogether wanting. 
Sar denier gia monophylla, Benth., (Native Sarsaparilla). The 
roots of this beautiful purple flowered twiner are used by bushmen 
as a substitute for the true sarsaparilla, which is obtained from a 
widely different plant. I cannot vouch for any medicinal 
properties. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 9 
Ahrus precatorius, Linn. A dull looking, slightly hairy twining 
plant with leaves of from seven to ten pair of pinnae and racemes 
of dull purple or pink flowers ; found rambling over the shrubs 
of our tropical coast, also in the East and West Indies. In the 
latter, the roots are used as a substitute for liquorice, and an 
infusion much used as a diluent drink, may be prepared from 
them. The seeds of which there are about four in a pod, are 
of a brilliant scarlet with a black scar, and are used for many 
ornamental purposes. These seeds at one time were considered 
poisonous ; but on the contrary, it seems that they are sometimes 
used as an article of food in Eg3rpt. 
Sophora tomentosa, Linn. — Sea coast Laburnum. The roots and 
seeds have been regarded as specifics in bilious sickness. The 
whole shrub is covered with close silky hairs. Flowers, large 
yeUow, in racemes like the Laburnum or Golden Chain of 
European gardens. 
In the second Sub-order Caesalpiniew, purgative properties 
abound, and it might be well, considering we have many endemic 
species of Cassias, to look among them for a substitute for the 
Senna of commerce. 
Cassia Ahsus, Linn. A small viscid plant about one foot high, 
leaves of two pair of leaflets which are broadly obovate, and from 
half to one inch long ; glands between the leaflets smaU, stipules 
narrow. Flowers, usually in short terminal racemes, bracts 
small reflexed. It is common to tropical Asia and Africa, and is 
also found on our tropical coast. The seeds are extremely bitter, 
aromatic and mucilaginous and it is said that they are brought 
from the interior of Africa to Cairo under the name of Chichin 
or Cismatau, and are regarded as the best of remedies for 
Egyptian or purulent Ophthalmia. 
Guilandina honducella, Linn. This is a large rambling shrub, 
covered with hooked prickles ; found along our tropical and other 
tropical coasts. The leaves are large, twice pinnate j pods short 
B 
S 
10 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
broad, prickly, containing two or ttree large polished bluisli-grey 
seeds, whicli are often strung into necklaces, bracelets, rosaries, 
&c. These seeds have a bitter taste and are employed by Indian 
doctors as a tonic and febrifuge. The specific name is said to be 
derived from the Arabic *' Bondog," a necklace. 
CcBsalpinia nuga, Ait. A plant of similar habit to the last is 
found on some of the islands off our North-east coast with seeded 
pods. It is said that the roots are used in decoctions for calculous 
and nephritic complaints. 
The third ^vih-ordiQv Mimoseae includes ^mm the most numerous 
in species of all Australian Phsenogamous genera. The bark and 
gums of many species are used to stop diarrhoea by bushmen. 
From the flowers oi one, A. farnestana, Willd., called '' Dead- 
finish " on the Darling Downs, a delicious perfume is distilled. 
This species is common to the warmer regions of the new and 
old world. 
According to Dr. Wm. WooUs' '' Contributions to the Flora of 
Australia," page 97, one of our Mosaceous -plsints, Ruhus parviflorus 
Linn., has been found to possess some valuable medicinal 
properties, but what those properties are is not stated. 
Although the ordiQr MyrtaeecB to which we are now come furnishes 
us with much valuable timber, it contains but few species from 
which medicinal drugs were obtained by Medical men of the old 
school. Of late attention has been turned to our Eucalypts, and 
from some valuable medicines have been obtained. An essence, 
with all the fragrance of the best Lisbon lemons was obtained 
some time back by K. T. Staiger, Esq., the Government analytical 
chemist, from the foliage of a species found on the Palmer River 
of which no flower specimens have as yet been sent down, therefore 
its affinity cannot be determined and it remains botanically 
unknown. From another species E. eitriodora, Hooker, the same 
gentleman has also obtained an essence which partakes of the 
flavour of the citron. This latter tree is plentiful at Eockhampton, 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 11 
A plant of the typical genus of Melastomacece, Melastoma 
malahathricum, Linn., is very attractive in most Queensland 
swamps from the profusion of its large open purple flowers and 
prominently three to five nerved leaves. Is recommended in 
cases of diarrhoea and dysentery ; the leaves are the part used. 
The succulent fruit is edible, but dyes the mouth black, hence the 
generic name. 
Ammannia Indica, Lan. A plant of Lythrariece, found usually 
on swampy land, is erect in growth with oblong or linear leaves 
and flowers in small axillary clusters. Queensland habitat, 
Endeavour Eiver and about Cooper's Creek. The whole plant 
has a strong aromatic smell, leaves acrid, and commonly used by 
the natives of India to raise blisters in rheumatic pains, fevers, 
&c. The fresh leaves bruised perform their ofiice effectually in 
half an hour. To this same order belongs Lythrum Salicariaf 
Linn. The common purple Loosestrife of Britain enlivens with 
its beautiful purple flowers many of our swamps. The whole 
plant is astringent, and has been recommended in inveterate cases 
of diarrhoea. It has also been used in tanning. 
In Cucurlitace<B the order to which the Cucumber and Melon 
belong, we have a few species which have been used in the 
healing of various disorders. Thus Trichosanthes pahnata, Eoxb., 
in India where the plant is also indigenous, the fruit is pounded 
and intimately blended with warm cocoa-nut oil, and considered 
a valuable application for cleansing and healing the offensive 
sores that sometimes form inside the ears. It is also supposed to 
be a useful remedy poured up the nostrils in cases of ozaena. As 
in India, so in Queensland, this plant climbs to the top of our 
scrub trees. The flowers are large, white, and beautifully fringed. 
The bottle-gourd, Lagenaria vulgaris, Seringe., so plentiful 
along our tropical coast, is said to be a dangerous poison. It is 
said that some sailors were kiUed by drinking beer that had been 
standing for some time in a bottle formed of one of these fruits. 
12 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
Momordica bahamina, Linn. The Balsam Apple, common in 
gardens, out of whicli it has strayed into some of our northern 
scrubs ; has been said to be a dangerous poison, but in small 
doses a hydragogue. 
In the large order Compositce^ of which the Australian genera 
is about 100, few species have been examined for medicinal 
qualities. Baron von Mueller, the learned botanist of Victoria, 
prepared a snuff from one of the forms of Myriogyne minutay Less, 
one of our most common weeds some years back. 
Eclipta alba, Hassk. The erect form so common near water 
about the Brisbane Eiver, &c., is said to be used by the Brazilian 
women to stain their hair black. 
The rank growing Burweed, Xanthium strumarium, a plant 
allied to the Bathurst Burr and now rapidly spreading over the 
country is supposed to be very injurious to Stock, numbers having 
died from feeding on the young succulent plants. Dr. Bancroft 
is at present making experiments with a view to seeing if the active 
principles contained in the plant cannot be put to some useful 
purpose. This plant differs greatly from the Bathurst Burr or 
Xanthium spmosuin, L. Its leaves resemble more the mallow and 
it is destitute of prickles, except on its fruit. 
Our indigenous Leadwort, Plumbago zeylamca, Linn., which is 
identical with the garden plant F. capensisy is said to act as a 
vesicatory, the fresh bruised bark of the root being used. 
The pretty Pimpernel, Aiiagallis arvensis, Linn., one of the few 
plants in our pasture belonging to Primulacece, is said to possess 
very powerful properties. Three drachms of the extract of this 
plant have been found enough to kill a dog ; it was found to have 
inflamed the mucous membrane of the stomach. It has been 
prescribed in epilepsy and dropsy. Samolus Valerandi, Linn. A 
plant of the same order, found often near shallow running water ; 
is said to possess a bitter principle. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 13 
Cerhera Odallam, Goertn. A tree belonging to ApocynecB found 
on our tropical coast, and not uncommonly planted in our gardens 
where it flowers as a shrub. Of this the seeds are said to be 
poisonous, but the milky sap has been used as a purgative and in 
Java the leaves and bark as a substitute for senna. 
Alstonia, another genus of Dogbanes of which there are several 
species in Queensland — one A. constricta, F. v M., produces a 
tonic now much used, and A. scholaris, B. Br., grows to a tree 
of large size, the timber of which is said to be bitter as gentian. 
In chronic diarrhoea and the advanced stages of dysentery, it has 
proved valuable. It has also been found effectual in restoring 
the tone of the stomach, and of the system generally, in debility 
after fevers and other exhausting diseases. This is one of several 
trees called white-wood about the Herbert Eiver. 
In the closely allied order Asclepiadece the Eed-head Asclejnadece 
curassavica, Lem., a plant of tropical America, now fast spreading 
over the colony ; is used in the West Indies as an emetic, and 
called Wild Ipecacuanha ; the root which is the part used, is also 
purgative ; a decoction is recommended in gleets and fluor albus. 
We have in Queensland two species of Strychnos, a genus of 
LoganiacecG — one a rambling shrub with fruit of one inch or more 
in diameter, somewhat orange colored, met with on the Walsh 
Eange. This is Eobert Brown's S. lucida which is thought closely 
allied to the well-known S. nux-voniica, Linn. The other has 
much larger leaves and smaller fruit, and of almost climbing 
habit. This species is Baron Mueller's S. psilos2)erma, a form of 
which is plentiful in the scrubs around Eockhampton. It is to 
be hoped that before long the fruit of these two plants wiU be 
tested for medicinal properties. 
Although some of our Gentianworts have a wide range in other 
countries, none seem to have enjoyed any recantation as medicinal 
plants, but in New South Wales two of this family seem to be 
used, for Dr. Woolls, in '' Contributions to Flora of Australia," 
14 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
page 97, says : — " Two little plants of the Grentian Family common 
enough in spring, the one with pink, the other with yellow flowers. 
fJEJrythrcsa Aiistralisy'R. "Br., SiTid Sehcea ovata, R.Br.) are great 
favourites with those persons who know the value of them, and 
they have proved highly efficacious in certain stages of dysentery. 
The pink one is generally called Centaury, and is the more 
powerful and like the allied European species possesses all the 
essential properties of the gentian of the shops, and although not 
used professionally is a very valuable native medicine ; in places 
where it grows it is carefully collected for use in rustic pharmacy." 
A learned physician not a hundred miles from Parramatta was 
so impressed with the efficacy of this little herb from noticing 
the use of it amongst certain old women in his neighbourhood, 
that he was not too proud to adopt their remedy and recommended 
it to his patients. The first of these is very plentiful throughout 
Queensland, but the latter has only been found in one locality, 
(near Warwick) by Dr. Prentice. 
Syd/rolea %eylanica, Yahl. A creeping herb of HydrophyllacecB ; 
found about the Gulf of Carpentaria also in the East Indies and 
America. According to Wight, the leaves beaten into pulp and 
applied as a poultice, are in India considered eflB.cacious in 
cleansing and healing ill conditional ulcers, particularly those 
in which maggots have begun to breed. Leaves short, lanceolate 
two inches long, smooth ; flowers dark blue in a terminal panicle. 
Cordia myxa, Linn. A handsome tree of Northern Queensland 
belonging to the tribe Cordiccd of BoragmecB. The species is also 
dispersed over tropical Asia, from Ceylon to the Philippines. 
The large fruited C. latifolia, Roxb., is a form of this species 
with larger leaves and fruit. The Sebestens of the European 
Matera Medica is the fruit of this tree. The bark is a mild 
tonic, and used in India for astringent gargles ; and in Java as 
the chief remedy in fevers ; the roots are thought laxative. The 
Egyptian mummy cases were made of this timber, which is soft, 
and supposed the best for kindling fire by friction. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 15 
In this same tribe is also found the rather coarse herb 
Trichodesma zeylanica, E. Br., an Indian plant common in many- 
parts of Queensland. In India this with other species, is 
considered diuretic, and one of the cures for the bites of snakes. 
Baron Mueller recommends the plant as a fodder herb, saying 
that the dromedaries of Mr. Giles' Exploring Party were found 
to be particularly partial to it. 
In the beautiful order of Bindweeds, Convolvulacece, we find 
some of our indigenous species are still favourably spoken of as 
Medicinal plants in other parts of the globe where they are also 
met with. The roots of the order usually abound in an acrid, 
milky juice, which is purgative, as for instance, the common 
purge Jalap, and the stimulating cathartic Scammony. This 
purgative property is said to depend upon a peculiar resin, but 
with some this purgative resin is replaced by sugar or starch, 
and the roots then become valuable articles of food, as in the 
sweet potato. The first species to notice is Ipomcea paniculata, 
E. Br., a large smooth twining plant with palmately divided 
leaves, and showy purplish flowers ; found on most tropical coasts. 
The thick fleshy roots of this species are said by Baron Mueller, 
''Select Plants," to be edible and deserving of cultivation as a 
food plant. But in other works the roots are said to be cathartic 
and used as such in many places where the plant grows. The 
Queensland habitat is from Pockingham Bay to Cape York. In 
another of our native plants of this genus Ipomcea hederacea, Jacq. 
the purgative qualities are in the seeds. The seeds are sold in 
the apothecaries' shops of India under the name of ''Kala dana" 
(Black Seed), and are said to be a quick and effectual cathartic. 
The seeds are roasted like coffee, powdered, and administered in 
doses of from 30 to 40 grains, in any convenient vehicle. This 
plant, which is one of the most beautiful of the genus, is met 
with in the tropics everywhere. The leaves are usually three- 
lobed, and the flower a most delicate light blue ; large plants 
may be seen in some of the gardens about Brisbane. 
16 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
Iponicea Turpethum, E. Br. Anotlier large climbing species of 
our tropical coast, and also of India. It is said that the fresh 
bark rubbed up with milk is used in India as a purgative. 
About six inches in length of the root as thick as the little finger 
is reckoned a dose. 
Tpomcea pes-caprae, Both. The species so commonly seen 
trailing over the sandy beach from the Eichmond Eiver to Cape 
York, with leaves on long petioles, broadly emarginate, the veins 
of which are parallel. Peduncles long as leaves, bearing one or 
two large pink flowers. It is used in Brazil to form a poultice 
made with the boiled foliage in cases of scrofulous enlargement 
of the joints. 
The common Solanaceous weed Solamim nigrum, Linn., the small 
black fruit of which is at times eaten freely by children under 
the name of black currants without any ill effects, although at 
other times it has caused dangerous sickness ; is a narcotic ; the 
extract is said to possess the same power as lettuce opium. The 
leaves have been used with advantage in dropsical affections. Its 
action is diuretic and laxative. 
Another plant of Solaneae, the Thornapple, Datura stramonium 
Sim., which may be seen spreading over the colony, is a most 
useful medicinal plant. It is a violent narcotic poison when 
taken internally, acting fatally if taken in large doses, but a 
valuable medicine in mania, epilepsy, convulsions, tic doloureux 
&c. It palliates the distressing paroxysms of pure spasmodic 
asthma when smoked, for which purpose the leaves are used. It 
is also employed successfully as an external application, as an 
anodyne and sedative in burns, haemorrhoids, irritable ulcers &c. 
It would be well if some person living in the parts where our 
endemic species D. Leichhardtii, F. v. M., grows were to forward 
a quantity down to Dr. Bancroft, who has spent so much time in 
testing the properties of our native plants that he might see what 
its properties were. This species is said to be common on the 
Gilbert, Comet, and Suttor Elvers. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 17 
There are two of our indigenous plants of this order that will 
doubtless before long be in great request. First, Duboisia 
myoporoicles, E. Br. So far back as 1861 we find Eev. William 
Woolls, F.L.S. , drawing attention to this tree, stating that it was 
used by the aborigines on account of its toxicant properties ; he 
says '' they make holes in the trunk and put some fluid in them, 
which when drunk on the following morning produces stupor 
also that branches of this tree are thrown into pools for the 
purpose of intoxicating the eels and bringing them to the surface." 
Dr. Bancroft has found that an extract from the leaves dilates the 
pupil of the eye better than Belladonna, and in an article in the 
Lancet, Feb., 15th, 1879, by Professor Soelberg Wells, F.E.C.S., 
on the use of Dr. Bancroft's JDuhoisia he says : — " A four grain 
solution of duboisin produces a much more rapid dilation of the 
pupil and powerful action on the muscle of accommodation than 
a solution of atrophine of the same strength. The pupil in a 
normal eye becomes dilated ad, maximum in ten to twenty 
minutes, the accommodation (if there is no spasm of the muscle) 
paralysed in twenty to forty minutes this lasting for three or four 
days." The other B. Hopwoodii, F. v. M., furnishes the natives 
of our Western Districts with their strong narcotic, called Pituri. 
While the European genera of ScrophularinecB contains many 
valuable medicinal herbs, the Australian genera seems to be of 
little importance in medicine although a few are used as Herpestis 
moimieria, H. B. and K., a small trailing plant with rather thick 
fleshy, oblong leaves and white flowers. In India the expressed 
juice of the leaves mixed with Petroleum is used for rubbing 
parts affected with rheumatic pains. Another little shrubby 
plant, bearing small white flowers, and leaves in whorls of three, 
called Scoparia dulcis, L., is met with from Eockhampton north- 
ward. Of this plant an infusion is used by the Indians in 
Spanish America to cure agues. In Brazil the expressed juice 
which is mucilaginous is employed as a cooling- drink. Perhaps 
if properly examined our commoii swamp herb — QratiQla 
18 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
pedunculata, E.Br., would be found to possess medicinal properties. 
One of the genus in former times in Europe was called Gratia 
Dei, on account of its medicinal properties, wKicli are said to be 
bitter, purgative and emetic — poisonous in large doses. The 
European species if abundant in tlie pasture, is said to be 
dangerous to cattle. 
Attention may be drawn to a small shrub of Myoporinece called 
EremopMla maculata, E. v. M., or Native Euchsia, wbich. is 
regarded as a poison bush, by some graziers, altbougb others 
consider it quite harmless and with others of the genus, good 
fodder bushes. The plant bears a profusion of handsome red 
and yellow flowers, which should recommend it for garden culture 
and as there seems a doubt of its properties it would be well to 
have it examined for medicinal purposes. The shrub is abundant 
throughout the Warrego and Barcoo. 
Vitex trifolia, Linn. A shrub of VerhenacecB, having mealy- 
white leaves of from three to five leaflets and terminal panicles 
of pale blue flowers. Very common along our coast, and at one 
time on the Brisbane River. In India where it is common the 
small round acrid fruit is called ^^filfil burree " or wild pepper. 
The leaves are said to be a powerful discutient and are employed 
by the Malays to remove the boss. In other places the leaves 
are given in decoction and infusion and form a cataplasm which 
is applied to the enlarged spleen. To this order also belongs 
the White Mangrove, Avicennia officinalis, Linn., a tree widely 
spread over the warmer maritime regions of the new and old 
world. The flowers of this tree are not very conspicuous, being 
of a greenish yellow colour ; but the fruit which begins to 
germinate before it falls, may be seen in great abundance along 
the water's edge, and has somewhat the appearance of sprouting 
broad-beans. The bark is used at Rio Janeiro for tanning. The 
unripe seeds are used in India as poultices, and when ripe boiled 
and eaten by the poor. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. l9 
Few of our Lahiates have been tried for medicinal purposes, 
yet many if examined would most likely be found to possess, if 
not medicine, valuable fragrant oils for other purposes. Baron 
von Mueller says that several of our mints yield oil of good 
flavour and among them our common Pennyroyal, Mentha 
satureioides, R. Br. 
Valuable properties are ascribed by both native and European 
doctors in India to various species of Oojmum. 0. sanctum, Linn, 
the leaves of which in a dried and pulverised state are used by 
the Bengal natives as snuff in the endemic affections of the nasal 
cavities and are termed Peenash, is said to be an effectual means 
of dislodging the larvae of flies from wounds. The Australian 
plant is a narrow-leaved form of this species, and has a delightful 
fragrance resembling anise, hence Baron von Mueller's name, 
0. amsodoruni. 
The common horehound, Marrulium vulgare, Linn., which has 
become naturalized in many parts of the colony, is thought by 
some to be beneficial to sheep. An extract of this herb is a 
popular remedy for coughs and asthmatic complaints ; it is also 
recommended in chlorosis and hysteria as stimulating and tonic. 
The plant was once used in many diseases but scarcely at all now 
except as a domestic remedy for chest complaints. An erect herb 
of this order, plentiful in the Toowoomba and other swamps. 
Lycopus Australis, P. Br, being nearly related to the English 
Water Horehound, from which a black dye is obtained, it might 
be well to try for a similar property. 
The Chenopodiacece are chiefly of importance to us as containing 
the highly esteemed fodder called salt bushes; but from the genera 
Salsola and Salicornia, both salt marsh plants, large quantities of 
soda might be obtained. 
In Amarantacecd the order to which our garden Cock's-comb 
belongs, we find many of our most troublesome weeds and one 
of these, Amarantus viridis, Sim., is not without its use for besides 
20 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QtrEENSLAKD, 
a fair substitute for cabbage the leaves have been employed 
externally with advantage as an emollient poultice. Another 
weed of this order found very plentifully about Ipswich, called 
Achyranthes aspera, Linn , easily known by its rigid erect spike 
of spring -fruit, which are pointed downwards on the stalk, is 
said to have been found useful in India in dropsical cases. 
According to the Pharmacopseia of India the whole plant when 
incinerated, yields a considerable quantity of potash, hence 
its Sanscrit name Ap-amarga, i.e. the washerman, from the 
cii'cumstance of the ashes being used in washing clothes. The 
bitter and acrid leaves of Deeringia celosioides, R. Br., are used 
against the measles in Java. This large woody straggling plant 
of our scrubs can be easily recognised when in fruit by its bright 
red currant-like berries. 
The majority of the plants belonging to the Order Polygonacece 
or Buck-wheats, are mere weeds, but still we are indebted to it 
for some valuable products, for here we find the Buckwheat, 
Ehubarb, &c. From one plant of the order a blue dye equal to 
indigo is obtained. Various species of Rumex (Dock) whose 
prevailing character is astringency, have been used as remedies 
in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery for which our own kinds 
might prove equally efficacious. 
The common knot-grass Polygonum a/viculare, Linn., a trouble- 
some trailing wiry weed, has emetic purgative fruit. This species 
is not so abundant here as in the southern colonies, its place 
however is supplied by the closely allied species P.pleleiuniy E.Br. 
which probably possesses the same properties. 
P. harhatum, Linn., an erect hairy species common to our creeks. 
Is considered a diuretic at the Cape of Good Hope, and in India 
an infusion of its leaves is prescribed to alleviate the pain of 
severe colic. The leaves of P. hisjndum, H. B. and K., according 
to Humbolt are used in South America as a substitute for tobacco. 
This latter species Mr. Bentham thinks is identical with the large 
species of our swamps P. orientale, Linn. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 21 
Attention might be drawn to one native nutmeg, Myristica 
insipida, E. Br. This forms one of the most handsome trees of 
our North Queensland scrubs, and bears an abundant crop of 
fruit, which are more oval than the nutmeg of the shops and not 
so aromatic, but may possess some of its medicinal properties. 
The true nutmegs are said to contain a volatile oil which renders 
them stimulant. In small quantities they reheve flatulence and 
and allay colicky pains, but in large quantities they excite the 
cii'culations and act as narcotics. The bark of some Queensland 
trees belonging to the order LaurinecB is in use for flavouring, but 
oils in large quantities could be obtained from the fruit of 
Hernanclia hivalvis, Benth., a tall tree common to the Brisbane 
Eiver scrubs. This tree is readily known by the black nut-like 
fruit being enclosed in large inflated involucels which are often 
of a rich red color, the fruit is ten-ribbed, and so full of oil that 
a single fruit stuck on a stick and lighted will give a good light 
for two or three minutes. 
Among our representatives of the dangerous order, EuphorhiacecB 
or Spurgeworts there are fine timbers, useful fruits and some 
which produce good dyes, and many of more or less use medicinally 
Euphorlia Brummondii, Bois. ; a small, almost prostrate herb, 
with oblong opposite leaves about a quarter of an inch long, 
bearing small flower-heads in their axils, has lately been sent 
from the Barcoo to P. E. Gordon, Esq., Chief Inspector of stock, 
stating that several sheep had been poisoned from feeding on it. 
And since then another gentleman has forwarded specimens of 
the same plant to the Qiieenslmuhr newspaper, stating that an 
infusion of the herb proves almost a certain cure in cases of chronic 
dysentery and low fever. 
Several species of our Ant ides mas bear edible fruit of more or 
less value. A. Ballachjanum, Baill., the Herbert Eiver cherry is 
by far the best. The fruit which in size equals that of large 
cherries, is of a sharp acid flavour resembling that of the red 
currant, which it also equals in colour when made into jeUy, and 
22 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
as the European fruit is placed among medicinal plants on account 
of its juice being grateful to the parched palates of persons 
suffering from fever, it is surely not out of place to notice our 
Queensland tree in these notes. 
The bitter bark of PetalosUgma quadriloculare, F. v. M., or Emu 
Apple, is often used as an astringent by bushmen. The bitter 
principle contained in the bark is not considered of value by 
medical men. The bark also contains a quantity of starch. 
Phyllantlius simplex, E-etz. A small herb about a foot high, 
with, while young somewhat flattened stems ; leaves small in two 
opposite rows, flowers in clusters. The fresh plant mixed with 
equal parts of cumin seeds and sugar and made into an electuary 
is administered by the natives of India in doses of a teaspoonful 
a day in cases of gonorrhoea. According to Eoxburgh the fresh 
plant bruised and mixed with buttermilk is used as a wash to 
cure the itch in children. This plant is met with throughout 
tropical Queensland. 
Croton. Several trees of this genus found in the Queensland 
scrubs, furnish what is called Queensland Cascarilla Bark. 
Aleurites molicccana, Willd., (Candlenut). A large txee often 
met with along the Herbert Eiver, &c., is cultivated in some 
countries for the sake of its nuts. The tree is too well known in 
Queensland to need description as it may be seen in most of our 
gardens usually under the name A . triloba, Forst. The kernels 
when dried and stuck on a reed are used by the Polynesians as a 
substitute for candles, and as a article of food in New Georgia. 
These nuts resemble walnuts somewhat in size and taste. When 
pressed they yield a large pro^Dortion of pure palatable oil, used 
as a drying oil for paint, and known as country walnut and artist's 
oil. In Ceylon it is called Kekune oil, and in the Sandwich 
Islands, where it is used as a mordant for their vegetable dyes, 
Kukul oil. In these Islands alone, about 10,000 gallons are 
annually produced. The root of the tree affords a brown dye, 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 23 
whicli is used by the Sandwich. Islanders for their native cloths. 
According to the Pharmacapoeia of India, Dr. O'Eorke found 
that in doses varying from one to two ozs., it acted as a mild and 
sure purgative producing in from three to six hours, after injection 
free bilious evacuations, its operation being unattended either by 
nausea, colic, or other ill effects. It was found to approach nearly 
the castor oil in the mildness and certainty of its operation, but 
superior to it having neither taste or smell, and as producing its 
cathartic action without causing any degree of nausea, whether 
administered in emulsion or in the pure state. 
In Baron Ferd. von Mueller's useful work " Select Plants for 
Victorian Culture," a tree commonly met with in Queensland 
is spoken of — " Mallotus philipinensis,^^ Mueller, Arg. Though 
not of great importance this bush should not be passed on this 
occasion, inasmuch as the powdery substance investing the 
seed-capsules constitutes the kamala which can be employed 
not only as an orange dye, but also as an anthelmintic remedy. 
The Hindoo silk-dyers use it for an orange colour obtained by 
boiling the kamalas with carbonate of soda. Dr. Lindley says 
the root peldsthe same colour as the mealy substance around 
the capsules, but he speaks of it as a scarlet colour. According 
to Lennis, in one part of India this tree is called ' ' Corunga 
Munji Maram," on account of the monkeys staining their faces 
with the mealy substance which surrounds the capsules. 
None of our naturalised plants have spread with greater rapidity 
over the colony than the castor oil plant, Riciniis communis, Linn, 
and if all accounts are true, few plants are of more value. Dr. 
WooUs in " Contributions to the Flora of Australia," says: — 
^^ Ricinus not only yields castor oil, but the leaves of the plant 
have been successfully used by Dr. Pringle as a galactopoietic." 
The doctor has reported two remarkable cases. The first one was 
that of a women who from total absence of milk in one breast, 
and a very limited supply in the other had lost two children in 
succession in early infancy. By the application of the castor oil 
24 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
leaves for about a week, tlie effect was truly astonisliing, for tlie 
evil was remedied and the woman was enabled to rear lier cMldren 
afterwards. The second case was that of a delicate lady, who 
through the same simple application for three days was rendered 
capable of suppljang the nourishment necessary for twins." 
Baron Mueller in " Select Plants," says the seeds contain about 
50 per cent, of oil, to obtain which for medicinal purposes, 
hydraulic pressure should be employed and the seeds not subjected 
to heat. 
ia lucida, Endl., or Norfolk Island Blood wood, a large 
tree, having dark green oblong leaves, and fragrant white flowers, 
is abundant on the Main Range, Enoggera, &c. On the trunk 
of this tree being wounded a large quantity of sap flows out, 
which Baron Mueller says forms a beautiful red indelible pigment 
without any admixture. The most dangerous of the trees of this 
order found in Queensland is Exececa/ria agallocha, Linn., a small 
tree with somewhat fig-like leaves, often met with near salt rivers 
and swamps from the Brisbane northwards. The trunk abounds 
in a most dangerous virulent acrid milk ; woodcutters upon whom 
this juice has flown after a stroke of their axe, reported to 
Roxburgh that it produced inflamation and ulceration. Eumphius 
states that sailors who were sent ashore in Amboyna to cut timber 
sometimes became furiously mad from the pain produced by the 
juice that fell on their eyes, and that some of them altogether 
lost their sight. The juice is a violent purgative. 
The large climbing Peppermint, Piper Novcb hollandice, Miq., 
which may be seen climbing up the stems of our scrub trees like 
ivy, has been found by Dr. Bancroft to contain in its stem an 
aromatic principle which is likely to become valuable in medicine. 
Aristolochia indica, Linn., a tall twining plant of Aristolochiacce 
or Birchworts, is one of the many plants recommended as antidotes 
to the bite of snakes. The root of this and other species are said 
to be used as purgatives and vermifuges in India. Several species 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 26 
of this genus may be seen in our gardens, where the singularity 
of their flowers always attract attention. 
The first Monocotyledonous plant met with in our flora is 
Uydrocliaris morsusranm, Linn., the I^'rogbit of England and 
Morene of the French. The leaves are spoken of as mucilaginous 
and astringent. Here as in England, this is one of the prettiest 
plants of our still waters. Leaves thick, heart-shaped, floating ; 
flowers white, most abundant in March on the still waters off 
Brisbane E-iver. 
Ottelia alisinoides, Pers. A large aquatic of tropical Queensland, 
in India is used as a pot-herb, and at one time seems to have 
enjoyed some reputation for removing the effects of the venom 
of the sea-dog. The leaves of this plant are often submerged 
and six inches in diameter. 
According to the Pharmacopaeia of India, the leaves of the 
Banana are in common use in the Bombay G-eneral European 
Hospital, for dressing blistered surfaces. For this purpose it is 
stated a piece of the leaf of the required size, smeared with any 
bland vegetable oil, is applied to the denuded surface and kept 
in situ by means of a bandage. A pleasant soothing sensation 
is communicated to the blistered surface which is found generally 
to heal satisfactory in four or five days. For the first two days 
the upper smooth surface of the leaf is placed next the skin and 
subsequently the under side, until the healing process is complete. 
An abundance of Banana plants either cultivated oi indigenous 
is always to be obtained close to hand in Queensland. 
No important medicinal properties have been detected in any 
of our Orchids, yet a wholesome food might be prepared from the 
thick starchy stems of several sjoecies. 
Our species of Hcdmodorum a genus of AmaryUidece should be 
tried for a red dye, which it probably possesses, similar to an 
allied North American plant. The plant may be obtained in 
26 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF QUEENSLAND, 
quantities from most swampy places. The leaves are grass-like, 
panicle of flowers upright, dense and of a dingy red colour. 
A few of ouv Liliaceous plants seem to have been used medicinally 
Smilax glycypJiylla, Sm., is the small sarsaparilla, found on our 
coast, and easily known from the larger species of our scrubs by 
the underside of its leaves being almost white. By some it is 
called sweet tea. The infusion is said to be at first sweet, after- 
wards bitter, and to have tonic and antiscorbutic properties. 
Flagellaria indica, Linn., a tall climber, known at once by the 
spirally twisted point of its leaf. The leaves are said to be 
astringent and vulnerary. 
The order Pontederacece, so far as known, is represented by a 
single plant, Moyiochoria cyanea, F. v. M., which Mr. Bentham 
considers very near M. vaginalis, Pr. Of this latter, Dr. Lindley 
says it is emplo^'ed in Indian pharmacy in liver com^^laints, and 
disorders of the stomach. Eubbed down in butter and di*ank, it 
is thought to remove redness of the eyes, powdered and mixed 
with sugar it is administered in asthma ; and when chewed it is 
said to relieve toothache, brayed with milk it is given in fever, 
and finally when young is eaten as a pot-herb. If so much virtue 
is to be found in this East Indian sj^ecies, certainly our Queensland 
plant should be examined. It will be met with in most of the 
shallow still waters of tropical Queensland, its root-stock creeping 
in the mud, leaves few on long stalks, flowers blue, seeds ribbed. 
Cyanotis axillaris, Esem. and Schult. Is one of the Si)iderworts 
of tropical Australia and India, in the latter place a decoction of 
the plant is given in cases of tympanis. 
A small rush. Luzula campestris, DC, met with in Southern 
Queensland. The root has some reputation as a diuretic in Europe 
and China. 
The root-stocks of several plants of Aroidcod are used by the 
natives for food after undergoing some preparation. The root- 
stock of th.e common Bulrush Typha augustifolia, Linn., abounds 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 27 
in starch. It is somewhat astring-ent and diuretic and is employed 
in the east of Asia in dysentery, gonorrhoea, and the measles. 
This well-known plant is abundant in the swamps throughout 
the colony. 
In the large order Cyperacece or sedges, several of our species 
have been found to possess j)i^operties which have been taken 
advantage of for healing disease, but none in a very high degree. 
Thus the roots of Kyllinga triceps, Eolth., is said to be employed 
in the East Indies in diabetes and as a stomachic, for which its 
acridity combined with some aroma has recommended it. 
The tubers of our pest the Nutgrass Cyperus rotund us, Linn., 
are said to be administered successfully in cases of cholera by 
Hindoo practitioners. Sa'rjms lacustris, Linn., the Lake Club 
Eush, is a tall rush found in many of our swamps, the root-stock 
of which is said to be employed as an astringent and diuretic. 
Remirea maritima, Aubl., a tropical sedge, often seen on our 
tropical coast sands, which it helps to bind with its long creeping 
stems ; is said to be a powerful diaphoretic and diuretic. Scleria 
litliosperma, Willd., a hard white-seeded sedge of which we have 
a form on the Brisbane Eiver, is supposed upon the Malabar 
coast to have antinephritic virtues. 
Gramineae or Grasses. This is undoubtedly the most interesting 
and useful order of plants in the whole natural system, for from 
it is derived the principal food for both man and beast, but few 
of this large order have any reputation as medicinal plants. A 
fragrant aromatic secretion is present in many of our Anclropogons 
particularly in A. homhycinus, E. Br., A. sclicenanthus, var Martini 
and A. refr actus, E. Br. This latter species I believe has been 
generally looked upon as endemic, but some specimens were given 
me a few months back by Mr. F. J. C. Wildash, which he had 
gathered while in Japan, at a place where there was little 
probability of its having been introduced. Elionurus citreus, 
Munro, is another fragrant grass. From the roots of our common 
28 MEDICINAL PLAINTS OF QUEENSLAlfD, 
Couch, grass, Cynodon dactyl on, Pers., a cooling drink is made in 
India, and a decoction of Eleusine indica, Greot., is also employed 
in Demerara in the convulsions of infants. 
The notice of medicinal qualities in our Cryptogamic plants ^ill 
be brief, yet should not be altogether passed over, for we find a 
few plants in this class which do possess properties of value, thus 
Lycopodium phlegmaria, Linn., one of our pretty epiphytal club- 
mosses is reputed an aphrodisiac, and Selminthostachys zeylanica, 
Hook, a tropical swamp fern belonging to the Adder's tongue 
tribe of ferns, is said to be regarded in the Moluccas as a slight 
aperient and it is also used as a pot-herb. The fern has a short 
thick, creeping root-stock from which only a single frond usually 
rises, which is divided into three parts, each part being generally 
much cut. The whole is of a succulent nature. It is also said 
that the fronds of Poly podium phymatodes, Linn , are used in the 
South Sea Islands for scenting the oil of the cocoa-nut. This 
fine fern is of common occurrence on the banks of our northern 
rivers, and seems to contain more fragrant oil than any other of 
our Queensland ferns. 
Little is as yet known of our mosses, but the general character 
of the order Miisci is to possess a slight astringency and diuretic 
property, I may mention that the genus most useful to the 
horticulturist — Sphagnum, I saw a few years back in abundance in 
a swamp near Maroochie. 
Of our Lichens also little is known about their properties. Sticta 
pulmonacea, abundant on the stems of the trees at Maroochie, is 
used in Siberia for giving a bitter to beer, and in England is 
employed under the name of Lungs of the Oak as a noui'ishing 
diet for weak persons. 
Farmclia perlata, and F. perforata, two very common Australian 
lichens have been used in the form of a poultice in dropsical 
affections, but there is much doubt about their value, it being 
thought that the application of continuous warmth and moistui^e 
by any other means would have been equally efficacious. 
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 
Of the beautiful and curious order Fungi, no species seems to 
enjoy a reputation for medicinal virtues, yet it is rather remarkable 
that while from Tahiti and other places, large quantities of a 
species abundant in our scrubs, Hirneola auricula Judce, Fr., or 
Jew's ear, are shipped to China to be there used in soup, no one 
seems to have attempted collecting the article here. At one time 
this curious fungus was a popular remedy for sore throats 
the Eev. M. J. Berkeley says, probably from some fancied 
resemblance of the hymenium to the fauces. From our Fungi as 
also from our Lichens valuable dyes might probably be obtained. 
0^^ Queensland Feens, with a desceiptiox of two new species. 
By F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., &c. 
As I am about to publish a work on the Australian Ferns, it 
may be as well to bring before the Society a few of the changes 
I propose making in the nomenclature with also descriptions of 
the few new species which will be found therein. Thus all the 
Doodiasl propose placing as forms under the one — D. aspera. E. Br. 
The advisability of this will be patent to all who have had the 
advantage of observing the close approach of the various forms 
of the usually acknowledged two species B. aspera and J), caudata, 
to each other. I shall in all cases retain old names, so that those 
who may differ with me on this point will have no difficulty in 
finding the fern required. Fteris rotundifolia, Forst., I propose 
reducing to a form of F. falcata, E. Br., and although I retain 
P. paradoxa, E. Br. I feel persuaded that tliis sj)ecies will before 
long only be looked upon as another form of F. falcata. The 
pretty fern Cheilanthes Sieheri, will also be retained as a distinct 
form of C. tenuifolia. 
ScnizcEA FoRSTEEi, Sprcug. 
Ehizome short, scaly. Fronds three to nine inches high, glossy, 
stipes light coloured, channelled ; the upper portion of frond