Further to postings on the poisonous properties of the berries of the
Strychnine tree, may I pass on words of wisdom from Dr D.A. Herbert, Botany
Professor, U of Q, of half a century ago.
If in the bush you encounter a berry or fruit that you do not know and you
need to ascertain if it's edible -
1. Cut a piece of it and rub the cut surface gently on the soft skin of
your arm, say inside the elbow. If after an hour there has been no
reaction, then
2. Cut a fresh piece and dab it on the inside of your lip. Wait
another hour before, if no adverse reaction,
3. Cutting a small piece, chewing it briefly, then spitting it out.
4. Again wait an hour or so, and if still no adverse reaction, chew a
small piece and swallow it.
5. For choice wait several hours before eating a larger amount, then
wait for 24 hours or so before deciding that it is probably safe.
I think that Doc Herbie's advice related to a situation where someone had no
food and needed to find something to eat. His more general advice would
have been not to try eating any unknown bush fruit: find out what it is and
whether it is edible from someone who knows.
Syd
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