A FRUIT THAT PRODUCES BLINDNESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 271, 15 November 1910, Page 3

A FRUIT THAT PRODUCES BLINDNESS.

THE QUEENSLAND FINGER CHEBRi Mr. A. «T. Vogah, F.K.G.S., who is ; wellknown in Sydney scientific and geographical circles, has recently returned from a visit to Northern Queensland, whence he brought back some interesting specimens for the chief of the Botanical Gardens and other gentlemen. . ' '. '.. ; One of these specimens (says f.V« "News") is unique so far as New' South Wales is concerned, consisting asit does of the fruit and leaves of the "finger cherry" (Rh'odomyrus anaciocarpus), which is peculiar to Northern Queensland. This tree, which grows to the height of about 30ft, has long been used, ;by natives as a- food plant, .but at- cer-. tain periods, when hot perfectly ripe, "it possesses certain properties which- lead to blindness. So far,, nothing-seems- to ■have been published about this .remarkable fruit, ■beyond a 'brochure by .Mr. Henry Try on, entomologist and .vegetable pathologist to; -the •> Government -of Queensland, who -has submitted -spsci- , mcus to Mr. Newport, curatoc of-the • experimental -gardens at. Kamerunga, North. Queensland. A number of cases of total 'blindness, have: been directly traced, to/ eating, ibis -fruit, though' wha>t i3.;t)he actual poison it contains has not 'been.-definitely;-.ascertained. It is sonicthat, acts on the optic nerve, and. Mr. Tryon Js inclined to be-lieve-that it is; of the. saporin order. The tawa 'tree of New Zealand,.;.which, .asknown as a native food tree, appears ,to belong to the same order as the .finger