gouty-stem

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


the Australian Baobab-tree (q.v.), Adansonia gregori, F. v. M.According to Maiden (p. 60), Sterculia rupestris,Benth., is also called Gouty-stem, on account of theextraordinary shape of the trunk. Other names of this tree arethe Sour-gourd, and the Cream-of-tartar tree.

1846. J. L. Stokes, `Discovery in Australia,' vol. II. c. iii.p. 115:

«The gouty-stem tree . . . bears a very fragrant white flower, notunlike the jasmine.» [Illustration given at p. 116.]

1865. Rev. J. E. Tenison-Woods, `History of the Discovery andExploration of Australia,' vol. i. p. 2S9 [Note]:

«This tree is distinguished by the extraordinary swollenappearance of the stem, which looks as though the tree werediseased or the result of a freak of nature. The youngest aswell as the oldest trees have the same deformed appearance, andinside the bark is a soft juicy pulp instead of wood, which issaid to be serviceable as an article of food. The stem of thelargest tree at Careening Bay was twenty-nine feet in girth; itis named the Adansonia digitata. A species is found inAfrica. In Australia it occurs only on the north coast.»

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