A TREE THAT YIELDS MILK AND BREAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 547, 5 March 1913, Page 7

A TREE THAT YIELDS MILK AND BREAD.

A remarkable tree of South Africa —a region notable for its natural history wonders —is that called the cow-tree. It receives that name because, at certain seasons, it yields an abundant supply of milk. It grows in hilly districts, usually where very little moisture is to be had for several months of the year. This makes it more singular that a plentiful flow of milky fluid will come from the trunk, on boring into it deeply, though the branches look dried. If the milk is put aside for a time, a thick cake forms upon it, under which is a liquid. Some of it kept in a bottle well corked up, was once preserved for several months. The cork, on being extracted, came out with a loud report, followed by a bluish smoke ; the milk was a little acid, but not disagreeable to taste. The tree bears fruits of moderate size, each containing one or two nuts, which are said to have the flavour of strawberries and cream. From the bark of the tree, soaked in water, a bread has been made, which proved nearly as nourishing as wheaten bread.