sarsaparilla, australian

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

or Native


,n.

1) An ornamental climbing shrub, Hardenbergiamonophylla, Benth., N.O. Leguminosae. Formerlycalled Kennedya (q.v.).

2) Smilax glycyphylla, Smith, N.0. Liliaceae.

1883. F. M. Bailey, `Synopsis of Queensland Flora,' p. 114:

«Native Sarsaparilla. The roots of this beautiful purple-flowered twiner ( Hardenbergia monophylla) are used bybushmen as a substitute for the true sarsaparilla, which isobtained from a widely different plant.»

1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 189:

«Commonly, but wrongly, called `Native Sarsaparilla.' Theroots are sometimes used by bushmen as a substitute for thetrue sarsaparilla ( Smilax), but its virtues are purelyimaginary. It is a common thing in the streets of Sydney,to see persons with large bundles of the leaves on theirshoulders, doubtless under the impression that they have theleaves of the true Sarsaparilla, Smilax glycyphylla.»

1896. `The Argus,' Sept. 8, p. 7, col. 1:

«He will see, too, the purple of the sarsaparilla on thehill-sides, and the golden bloom of the wattle on the flats,forming a beautiful contrast in tint. Old diggers consider thepresence of sarsaparilla and the ironbark tree as indicative ofthe existence of golden wealth below. Whether these can beaccepted as indicators in the vegetable kingdom of gold belowis questionable, but it is nevertheless a fact that thesarsaparilla and the ironbark tree are common on most ofVictoria's goldfields.»

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

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