salt-bush

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

n. and adj.


the wild alkalineherb or shrub, growing on the interior plains of Australia,on which horses and sheep feed, of the N.O. Salsolaceae.The genera are Atriplex, Kochia, and Rhagodia.Of the large growth, A. nummularium, Lindl.,and of the dwarf species, A. vesicarium, Heward,and A. halimoides, Lindl., are the commonest.Some species bear the additional names of CabbageSalt-bush, Old-Man Salt-bush, Small Salt-bush, Blue-bush, Cotton-bush, Saloop-bush, etc.Some varieties are very rich in salt. Rhagodiaparabolica, R. Br., for instance, according toMr. Stephenson, who accompanied Sir T. Mitchell in one of hisexpeditions, yields as much as two ounces of salt by boilingtwo pounds of leaves.

1870. T. H. Braim, `New Homes,' c. ii. p. 89:

«This inland salt-bush country suits the settler's purposewell.»

1889. Cassell's `Picturesque Australasia,' vol. iv. p. 144:

«The ground is covered with the sage-coloured salt-bushall the year round, but in the winter it blooms with flowers.»

1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Squatter's Dream,' c. xxi. p. 262:

«How glorious it will be to see them pitching into that lovelysalt-bush by the lake.»

1892. E. W. Hornung, `Under Two Skies,' p. 11:

«The surrounding miles of salt-bush plains and low monotonousscrub oppressed her when she wandered abroad. There was notone picturesque patch on the whole dreary run.»

1896. A. B. Paterson, `Man from Snowy River,' p. 92:

«Over the miles of the salt-bush plain – – The shining plain that is said to be

The dried-up bed of an inland sea.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

For those that love it and understand,

The salt-bush plain is a wonderland.»

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

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