Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

<hw>Fibrous Grass</hw>, <i>n.</i> a Tasmanian grass (see <i>Grass</i>), <i>Stipa semiibarbata</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Gramineae</i>.

1862. W. Archer, `Products of Tasmania,' p. 41:

"Fibrous grass (<i>Stipa semibarbata</i>, Br.). After the seed has ripened the upper part of the stem breaks up into fibre, which curls loosely and hangs down waving in the wind."

<hw>Fiddle-back</hw>, <i>n.</i> name given in Australia to the beetle, <i>Schizorrhina australasiae</i>.

<hw>Fiddler</hw>, <i>n.</i> a New South Wales and Victorian name for a species of Ray, <i>Trygonorhina fasciata</i>, Mull. and Heule, family <i>Rhinobatidae</i>.

<hw>Fig-bird</hw>, <i>n.</i> a bird-name. <i>Sphecotheres maxillaris</i>, Lath.; Yellow bellied, <i>S. flaviventris</i>, Gould. <i>S. maxillaris</i> is also called <i>Mulberry-bird</i> (q.v.).

<hw>Fig-eater</hw>, <i>n.</i> a bird, i.q. <i>Grape-eater</i> (q.v.).

<hw>Fig-tree</hw>, <i>n.</i> The name is applied in Australia to the following species:—

Blue Fig—
<i>Elaeocarpus grandis</i>, F. v. M., <i>N.O. Tiliaceae</i>.

Clustered F.—
<i>Ficus glomerata</i>, Willd., <i>N.O. Urticaceae</i>.