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Native Australian Plants with
Medicinal Uses
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Botanical name: Acacia beauverdiana
Common name: Pukati
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 6m. Golden flowers.
Use(s): Ash from the top branches was mixed with Pituri and chewed.
It is thought that this ash releases the alkaloids present in the tobacco,
enhancing its effects.
Habitat and conditions: Prefers sandy soil. Drought hardy. Native to
southwestern Western Australia, occuring in semi-arid locations.
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Botanical name: Acacia bivenosa ssp wayi
Common name: Umbrella Bush
Other common name(s): Two-Nerved Wattle
Description: Shrub to 3m tall. Produces golden globular flowers.
Use(s): The bark was used as a cough syrup boiled or soaked in
water. Also, the ash can be combined with Duboisia hopwoodii for chewing.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid southern Australia. Prefers
dry alkaline soil. Doesn't tolerate too many frosts. Drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Acacia cuthbertsonii
Common name: Cuthbertson's Wattle
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 2m with twisted trunk. Yellow flowers.
Use(s): The bark has been used as an aid against toothache.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid Western Australia. Prefers
full sun. Dorught tolerant.
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Botanical name: Acacia decurrens
Common name: Early Black Wattle
Other common name(s): Queen Wattle
Description: Tree to 14m. Dark trunk. Brilliant yellow flowers.
Feathery green leaves.
Use(s): The bark is astringent. A preparation from the bark was used
to treat dysentery and diarrhea.. The bark has also been used in more
modern times in the tanning industry.
Habitat and conditions: Native to cooler and wetter regions of New
South Wales. Hardy to -7 deg C. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Acacia falcata
Common name: Lignum vitae
Other common name(s): Sickle-leaved Wattle
Description: Shrub to 3m. Small cream clustered flowers. Leaves
resemble Eucalyptus.
Use(s): A lotion was made from the bark to treat skin disorders.
Habitat and conditions: Native to NSW and southern Queensland
coastal areas. Prefers clay or shale soils. Part to full sun.
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Botanical name: Acacia holosericea
Common name: Velvet Wattle
Other common name(s): Candelabra Wattle
Description: Shrub to 2.5m. Small yellow flowers occur on spikes.
Use(s): A water infusion was made with the pounded roots to treat
throat disorders. The leaves exude a substance that disturbs or poisons
fish in waterholes and rivers to make it easy to catch them. The roasted
or boiled seeds are nutritious and tasty.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Australia. Found along
watercourses and in open forest areas. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Acacia implexa
Common name: Hickory Wattle
Other common name(s): Lightwood
Description: Small tree to 4m. Cream globular flowerheads with 30
to 50 flowers inside.
Use(s): A lotion was made from the bark to treat skin disorders.
Habitat and conditions: Native to Victoria, New South Wales and SE
Queensland. Many soil types. Part sun, moderate water. Frost tolerant.
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Botanical name: Acacia ixiophylla
Common name: Sticky Leaved Wattle
Other common name(s):
Description: Dark green shrub to 2.5m. The phyllodes are sticky.
Flowers are yellow balls.
Use(s): It is reported that compounds found in its branches have
tumour-fighting properties, although at this stage appropriate
preparations and efficacy are unknown.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in temperate to subtropical eucalypt
forests or mallee scrub in NSW and Queensland as well as SW Western
Australia. Part to full sun.
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Botanical name: Acacia leptocarpa
Common name: North Coats Wattle
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 7m. Yellow flowers.
Use(s): An infusion in water was made with the crushed phyllodes to
treat sore eyes.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Australia. Found near
creeks and waterways.
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Botanical name: Acacia melanoxylon
Common name: Blackwood
Other common name(s): Black Sally
Description: Medium to large tree to 30m.
Use(s): A hot infusion was made with the roasted bark to bathe sore
and rheumatic joints. Note: A small minority of people experience allergic
asthmatic reactions to this tree, especially to its dust when used as wood
(so don't chop it down).
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate southern Australia.
Prefers well-watered rich soil.
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Botanical name: Acacia monticola
Common name: Red Wattle
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 4m. Flowers are clustered yellow balls.
Sticky, hairy branches.
Use(s): A water infusion was made with stems or branches which was
drunk or bathed in for coughs and colds.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid tropical Australia. Poor
soil. Full sun. Drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Acacia tetrogonophylla
Common name: Prickly Wattle
Other common name(s): Dead-finish
Description: Shrub to 3m. Myriad beautiful yellow follows in
globular clusters.
Use(s): Seeds are edible, both in the pod while still green,
and dried, ground, mixed with water & baked in the earth. A root
bark decoction was used to treat sores. The leaves were chewed to
cure dysentery. An infusion was made from the cleaned inner bark and
consumed for coughs. Wood ashes (minus bark) was used as an antiseptic.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs widely throughout Central
Australia. Extremely tough & drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Acacia translucens
Common name: Poverty Bush
Other common name(s):
Description: Small shrub. Globular yellow flower clusters.
Use(s): Leaves and twigs are mashed together in water. Skin sores
are bathed in the infusion and the infusion is rubbed over the head for
headache.
Habitat and conditions: Tropical Western Australia and Northern
Territory. Sandy soil. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Acacia victoriae
Common name: Elegant Wattle
Other common name(s): Bramble Wattle
Description: Prickly shrub, yellow flowers.
Use(s): Contains compounds called avicins which have been shown to
inhibit inflammation and cancer in laboratory studies. For food, probably
the most popular wattle seed source. Nutritious and tasty.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in semi-arid and arid southern
Australia.
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Botanical name: Adansonia gregorii
Common name: Australian Baobab Tree
Other common name(s): Bottle Tree
Description: Tree to 15m. Deciduous in the dry season, extremely
distinctive tree with swollen trunk (which can grow to more than 3m in
diameter). Ovoid fruit is around 15cm long. Large creamy white flowers.
Smaller than its Madagascan cousin. Also known as Adansonia gibbosa.
Use(s): The fruit pith & seed is edible - either roasted or
raw. The leaves and roots were used to treat digestive complaints.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical semi-arid regions of
northwest Western Australia.
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Botanical name: Adiantum aethiopicum
Common name: Common maidenhair fern
Other common name(s): Valley Mist
Description: Fern to 60cm high. Fine fronds up to 80cm long.
Use(s): Astringent and emetic. A soothing infusion is prepared with
1 to 5 parts fronds for every 100 parts water.
Habitat and conditions: Damp open river banks, creeks and gullies,
all states including Tasmania. Part shade. Prefers sandy or loamy soil.
Also found in South Africa and New Zealand.
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Botanical name: Aleurites moluccana
Common name: Candlenut Tree
Other common name(s):
Description: Large evergreen tree to 20m. Hairy large leaves crowd
near the ends of branches. Olive-coloured ball-shaped fruit, containing
one or two seeds.
Use(s): The seeds yield oil that is inedible and POISONOUS. When
roasted, the kernels are edible and have laxative and, reputedly,
aphrodisiac effects. The pulped kernels have been used for headaches,
fever and rheumatism.
Habitat and conditions: Northern NSW and SE Queensland. Variants are
also native to many South Pacific and Asian equatorial countries. Prefers
moist warm locations.
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Botanical name: Alocasia brisbanensis
Common name: Spoon lily
Other common name(s): Cunjevoi
Description: Formerly grouped under Alocasia macrorrhizos. Large
perennial plant to 1.5m. Large glossy dark green leaves are spade- or
heart-shaped, surrounding small pale yellow-green flowers on the central
stalk. The subsequent fruit is in the form of red berries, which look
deceptively tasty, but are in fact poisonous.
Use(s): Has been used as an external stimulant and a mild
counter-irritant. The juice of the leaves is reportedly valuable to treat
sunburn. The plant is potentially irritating to sensitive areas of the
body such as the eyes, and is therefore included for interest only.
Habitat and conditions: Native to Queensland.
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Botanical name: Alphitonia excelsa
Common name: Red Ash
Other common name(s): Leatherjacket
Description: Tree to 20m. Flowers are cream to green in colour. The
berries are red/black and occur in clusters. The leaves are leathery &
elliptical.
Use(s): A water infusion of the leaves was used for bathing to cure
headache or body pains, or gargled to treat toothache. Young leaf tips
were chewed in case of stomach upset. Leaves were also applied to treat
sore eyes.
Habitat and conditions: Native to northern tropical Australia and
forest areas down to the east coast of NSW.
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Botanical name: Alphitonia petriei
Common name: Pink Almond
Other common name(s): White or Pink Ash
Description: Tall tree to 45m. Dark bark. Leaves are smooth on the
top and hairy underneath. Produces fragrant cream flowers. The black fruit
is small and round.
Use(s): The bark was infused in boiling water for external
application to treat aches and pains.
Habitat and conditions: Native to rainforests in tropical and
subtropical Australia and nearby islands.
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Botanical name: Angophora costata
Common name: Sydney Red Gum
Other common name(s): Smooth-barked Apple Gum
Description: Tall tree to 25m. Related to the eucalypts.
Pinkish/ruddy bark. Large, rather gnarled trunk. White flowers in bunches.
Beware: drops branches frequently.
Use(s): The trunk exudes a reddish substance (kino), a solution of
which has been used in the treatment of diarrhea.
Habitat and conditions: Native to SE Queensland and all along
coastal NSW. Full sun. Can tolerate light frosts.
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Botanical name: Araucaria cunninghamii
Common name: Hoop Pine
Other common name(s): Moreton Bay Pine
Description: Very large tree to 60m. Similar in appearance to Bunya
Nut.
Use(s): The bark of this tree exudes a resin when cut. This resin
can be dissolved in alcohol to treat kidney ailments.
Habitat and conditions: Native to southern Queensland and Northern
coastal NSW. A variety also occurs in New Guinea. Likes good rainfall,
full sun.
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Botanical name: Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa
Common name: Liniment Tree
Other common name(s): Waria-Waria Tree
Description: Shrub or small tree to 10m with a bluish tinge.
Flowers are golden-orange in globular clusters. Formerly known as
Melaleuca symphyocarpa.
Use(s): The crushed leaves were inhaled to treat headache; the
steam from a leaf decoction was used to clear the nasal passages. The
crushed leaves or an infusion was rubbed over the body for aches and pains
and over the chest to easy breathing.
Habitat and conditions: Native to swampy coastal areas of tropical
northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.
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Botanical name: Atherosperma moschatum
Common name: Native Sassafras
Other common name(s):
Description: Tree to 20m. The crushed leaves are aromatic.
Use(s): A laxative tonic was made from a bark infusion. A more
precise tincture has been used for ailments ranging from asthma and lung
disease to heart disease.
Habitat and conditions: Native to Tasmania and
southeastern mainland rainforests. Prefers a moist location.
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Botanical name: Atriplex nummularia
Common name: Oldman Saltbush
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 2m. Grey oval leaves.
Use(s): Was used for the treatment of scurvy and blood diseases.
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate and subtropical arid
Australia. Full sun. Frost tolerant. OK in salty soil.
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Botanical name: Backhousia citriodora
Common name: Lemon Scented Myrtle
Other common name(s): Lemon Ironwood
Description: Small bushy tree to 8m, although can sometimes reach
15m in the wild. Green leaves smell strongly of lemon. The younger leaves
are more reddish. Flowers are cream or white and occur profusely when in
bloom.
Use(s): The leaves smell amazingly like lemon and are used as a
spice. A tea can also be prepared which is said to have a relaxing
effect.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal Queensland. Prefers rich,
moist soil. Part to full sun. Hardy to -8 deg C once established. Keep
warm when young though.
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Botanical name: Buchanania obovata
Common name: Green Plum
Other common name(s): Wild Plum
Description: Small deciduous tree to 6m. The fruit is a green berry
resembling a plum. The bark is grey and rough. The leaves are light green.
Use(s): The green plum-like fruit was pounded up into a sweet edible
paste. Cavities were treated with minced leaves and a gargled (not
swallowed) mouthwash was prepared against toothache from an infusion of
the inner bark and sapwood. The pure infusion was also used to bathe sore
eyes.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Northern Territory and
Queensland near the Gulf of Carpentaria. Full sun, warm conditions.
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Botanical name: Bursaria spinosa
Common name: Native or Christmas Box
Other common name(s): Blackthorn
Description: Tallish shrub with oval leaves with thorny
branches.Fragrant cream flowers cover the plant in summer.
Use(s): The leaves contain a compound called Aesculin which is
useful for certain skin conditions as well as in sun-tan lotion.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs generally in wetter areas of all
states.
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Botanical name: Callitris columellaris
Common name: White Cypress Pine
Other common name(s): Bribie Island Pine
Description: Medium-large tree to 30m. Tiny grey/green leaves grow
off the stems. Rough dark bark.
Use(s): Leaves and twigs have been used in steam broths to treat
colds and sores; the injured bark exudes a substance used in the coating
of pills, and the scent is used in the cosmetics and aromatherapy
industries.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs usually in semi-arid areas in all
mainland states, although sometimes on the coast too. Drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Callitris endlicheri
Common name: Black Cypress Pine
Other common name(s):
Description: Dark leaved triangular evergreen conifer to 13m. Tiny
leaves, like C. columellaris, grow off the stems.
Use(s): The yellow resin of injured trees is rich in geranyl
acetate. Has been used as a worming agent for horses.
Habitat and conditions: Cool rocky or mountainous environments in
Eastern Australia from Victoria to southern Queensland.
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Botanical name: Calophyllum inophyllum
Common name: Alexandrian Laurel
Other common name(s): Tamanu
Description: Medium tree to 20m. Thick dark trunk. Oblong leaves.
Small white flowers are pleasantly fragrant.
Use(s): The nuts contain no oil when freshly picked, but when dried
they contain Tamanu resin which is mixed with water and rubbed over the
body to treat aches and pains, and also skin disorders. The oil from dried
nuts has also been used as a laxative. In modern times the oil is being
marketed as a beauty aid.
Habitat and conditions: Prefers part to full sun with well watered
soil. Native to South Asia; occurs in tropical Queensland and the Northern
Territory.
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Botanical name: Canavalia rosea
Common name: Beach Bean
Other common name(s): Bay Bean
Description: Coastal vine or trailing herb with light green
semi-succulent leaves and striking pink flowers. The pods are green and
around 12cm long.
Use(s): An infusion was made with the crushed roots and rubbed over
the skin for rheumatism, general pain, skin disorders, and colds.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs all over the world in tropical and
subtropical coastal locations. In Australia it occurs from northern NSW up
through Queensland and also in coastal Western Australia. In Queensland it
is also sometimes found inland. It prefers warmth and can tolerate periods
of drought. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Carpobrotus rossii
Common name: Native Pigface
Other common name(s):
Description: Prostrate herb spreading to 3m. Thick, succulent spiky
leaves often tipped reddish or purple. The flowers have a white centre
surrounded by brilliant thin purple petals. The red fruit is fleshy.
Use(s): Was used in Tasmania as a purgative. Both the fruit and the
leaves are edible.
Habitat and conditions: Native in all southern states including
Tasmania, predominantly in sandy coastal areas. Well drained soil; part to
full sun.
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Botanical name: Castanospermum australe
Common name: Moreton Bay Chestnut
Other common name(s): Blackbean
Description: Strong, handsome tall tree to 40m in the wild;
frequently 10 to 20m in cultivation. Shiny green leaves on low spreading
branches. Produces arrays of beautiful small red and yellow flowers hidden
under the foliage. Pods follow which are 15-20cm long.
Use(s): The seeds were sliced and washed, and then boiled or roasted
and eaten. Note that under normal conditions, unless prepared properly,
the seeds are poisonous. Parts of the tree
contain chemicals which, after careful extraction, have been shown to have
anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-HIV properties.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal rainforests from northern
NSW to northern Queensland. Prefers moist fertile and well-drained soils.
Also found on some Pacific islands. Part to full sun.
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Botanical name: Casuarina equisetifolia ssp equisetifolia
Common name: Coastal She-oak
Other common name(s): Australian Pine
Description: Tall evergreen tree to 30m. Rough reddish-brown to
grey bark. Wide spreading branches. Tiny grey-green leaves on the stems
and branchlets.
Use(s): The bark is very astringent and was used to treat diarrhea.
A mouthwash has been used to cue toothache.
Habitat and conditions: Native to subtropical and tropical
Australia, tropical Pacific islands, and to tropical and equatorial Asia.
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Botanical name: Cinnamomum camphora
Common name: Camphorwood
Other common name(s): Indian Bay-Leaf
Description: Also known as Cinnamomum tamala. Medium to tall tree
to 35m. Dark roughish bark. Tough 3-veined glossy leaves.
Use(s): Leaves are used as a substitute for cinnamon and are
important in northern Indian cooking. Infusions of the bark and leaves are
reportedly diuretic, carminative, and aid perspiration.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in coastal forest areas of northern
Queensland. Native to the Subcontinent.
Note: This tree has been reported as a weed in eastern Australia (it
is not native) and thus should be planted with consideration (for
example, plant it in a large pot)
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Botanical name: Cissus hypoglauca
Common name: Native Grape
Other common name(s): Jungle Vine
Description: Tall evergreen woody climber. Clusters of yellow
flowers. Very thick, strong vine.
Use(s): The dark blue berries are edible. The berries were also
crushed and mixed in water and gargled, to treat sore throat.
Habitat and conditions: Forest areas of eastern Victoria, New South
Wales and Queensland. Frost tender, shade to part shade, rich soil.
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Botanical name: Clematis glycinoides
Common name: Traveler's Joy
Other common name(s): Forest Clematis
Description: Woody climber with green glossy leaves with profuse
white flowers in spring.
Use(s): The leaves were crushed and inhaled to treat headaches and
colds.
Habitat and conditions: Moist areas in forests and gullies from
Victoria through up the east coast of Australia. Part to full shade.
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Botanical name: Clematis microphylla
Common name: Small Leaf Clematis
Other common name(s): Fine-Leaved Clematis
Description: Strong climber with creamy-lime fragrant flowers and
thin stems.
Use(s): The leaves were applied to soothe irritated skin.
Habitat and conditions: Coastal areas in all states except the
Northern Territory. Prefers adequate water but can tolerate short
droughts. Part to full sun.
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Botanical name: Cleome viscosa
Common name: Tickweed
Other common name(s): Sticky Cleome
Description: Annual herb covered in sticky hairs. Flowers are
yellow. The entire plant is fragrant.
Use(s): The seeds can be used as a condiment, and also to relieve
the symptoms of fever. The leaves, stems and flowers can be mashed and
applied externally to relieve body aches and pains, headaches, and skin
irritations.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in tropical Australia and worldwide.
Tolerates a range of conditions.
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Botanical name: Clerodendrum floribundum
Common name: Lolly Bush
Other common name(s):
Description: Tall shrub to 5m with tapered oval leaves and large
heads of long white flowers, followed by black berries above an enlarged
red calyx.
Use(s): A lotion from the branches or bark was used for bodily
aches. The roots were boiled and eaten.
Habitat and conditions: Native all across tropical Australia. Part
to full sun.
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Botanical name: Cochlospermum fraseri
Common name: Kapok Bush
Other common name(s): Cotton Tree
Description: Deciduous tropical small tree to 6m with starlike
yellow flowers and green ovoid pods filled with cotton-like material.
Use(s): The cooked roots were eaten and also the flowers (cooked or
raw). The leaves were used in a decoction to help fever.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical northern Australia.
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Botanical name: Codonocarpus cotinifolius
Common name: Desert Poplar
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 10m. Lime green leaves.
Use(s): The leaves were chewed to help with toothache (the leaves
have a flavour like mustard). A bark infusion in conjunction with Acacia
cuthbertsonii was used to aid rheumatism. The roots were apparently chewed
as a narcotic.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid interior of Australia.
Prefers sandy soils, tolerates drought. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Convolvulus erubescens
Common name: Pink Bindweed
Other common name(s): Native Bindweed
Description: Small perennial creeper with green-grey hairy leaves
and pink flowers.
Use(s): A boiled decoction of the entire plant was consumed to
treat stomach pains and diarrhea.
Habitat and conditions: Native to grassland areas of temperate and
subtropical Australia. Prefers full sun and well drained soil.
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Botanical name: Crinum pedunculatum
Common name: Swamp Lily
Other common name(s): River Lily
Description: Herbaceous plant to 2m. Large erect succulent leaves
surround white fragrant elegant flowers growing from a stalk in the middle
of the cluster. Beautiful.
Use(s): The juice of leaves was rubbed onto marine stings to reduce
pain.
Habitat and conditions: Found along the NSW coast up into coastal
Queensland. Hardy, from part shade to full sun, variety of drainage
conditions.
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Botanical name: Crotalaria cunninghamii
Common name: Regal Birdflower
Other common name(s):
Description: Small shrub to 2.5m. The leaves, flowers and branches
are hairy. The lime-yellow flowers occur on spikes at the end of branches.
Use(s): The leaves were mashed, soaked in water, boiled, and then
cooled and used to bathe various body parts in case of soreness or pain
(e.g. head, eyes, ears).
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical arid and semi-arid
Australia.
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Botanical name: Cyathea australis
Common name: Rough Tree Fern
Other common name(s):
Description: Tree fern to 20m. Large woody trunk which is actually
a huge rhizome. The long dark green fronds at the top of the trunk droop
only slightly from the horizontal. A magnificent and hardy tree fern.
Use(s): The roasted stalks of young fronds were eaten as an
invigorating tonic.
Habitat and conditions: Native to wetter forest areas of the eastern
states from Tasmania to SE Queensland. Very hardy. Prefers part shade.
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Botanical name: Cymbopogon bombycinus
Common name: Silky oilgrass
Other common name(s): Silkgrass
Description: Grass to 1m. The stem bases are very fragrant. When
the tops are in bloom they resemble silk, hence the name.
Use(s): An infusion of the entire plant was made to help sore eyes.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Western Australia and the
Northern Territory. Full sun, tolerates drought.
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Botanical name: Cynanchum floribundum
Common name: Native Pear
Other common name(s):
Description: Perennial herb to 1m. The leaves are broad, tapered at
the ends, and the flowers are white and spiny. The small fruit is tubular
and un-pear-like.
Use(s): The sap was rubbed over the body to elevate body temperature
in cool weather.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical northern Australia.
Note: New seeds will be available shortly.
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Botanical name: Daviesia latifolia
Common name: Hop bitter-pea
Other common name(s): Bitter-Pea
Description: Shrub to 2.5m. Upright with large elliptical leathery
leaves, small yellow flowers.
Use(s): The bitter-tasting leaves are infused in water to make an
invigorating tonic and to treat fever.
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate SE Australia from
Tasmania to the ranges of New South Wales.
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Botanical name: Dodonaea attenuata
Common name: Narrowleaf Hopbush
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 3m. Multi-stemmed and sometimes sticky, with
very thin leaves.
Use(s): An infusion from the leaves and stems was used to rub over
the body to reduce fever.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs all over mainland Australia, from
mountainous areas to open grasslands and semi-arid places. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Dodonaea lanceolata
Common name: Hopbush
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 2m. Like the other Dodonaeas, this plant is
unrelated to the Humulus sp. ("hops" used to make beer). Thin spiky leaves
with yellowish flowers.
Use(s): The mashed leaves were boiled and then applied as a poultice
to the body to reduce pain (e.g. snakebite). A weaker infusion was drunk
as a pain reducer.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical semi-arid Australia. Full
sun.
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Botanical name: Dodonaea viscosa
Common name: Sticky hopbush
Other common name(s): Giant Hopbush
Description: Shrub to 3.5m. Small yellow-green flowers. Thin medium
leaves, sticky when young.
Use(s): The leaves were chewed for toothache (the juice from chewing
wasn't swallowed). A boiled root infusion was applied to damaged skin to
expedite healing. Elsewhere in the world, the leaves have been chewed as a
stimulant.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in eastern Australian states, and
also in other countries around the world. Prefers full sun, reasonably
well watered.
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Botanical name: Duboisia hopwoodii
Common name: Pituri
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 3m or rarely a small tree. Thin variable
light green leaves. Flowers cluster at the ends of branchlets. Produces
black berries about 0.5cm long. The branches smell like vanilla when cut.
This plant was the most important socio-psychoactive drug among the
Aborigines of Central Australia.
Use(s): The dried leaves were rolled up into balls mixed with the
ash of certain species such as Acacia beauverdiana, and chewed as a
stimulant (the effect changes to drowsiness after a while). Later on, when
the Europeans arrived, some Aboriginals smoked Pituri like tobacco.
Pituri contains nicotine and d-nor-nicotine, a related alkaloid. In high
enough doses, nicotine has strongly psychoactive effects. An
overdose of either nicotine or d-nor-nicotine (which is more toxic than
nicotine) can be fatal, if vomiting does not intervene first.
Habitat and conditions: Contrary to popular belief, D.
hopwoodii is native to arid parts of all
mainland states. Historically the most valuable prepared Pituri was
harvested from SW Queensland. Full sun. Drought tolerant. Sandy soils. The efficacy
(and toxicity) of this plant reportedly depends strongly on the environmental
conditions in which it is grown. Please see special note.
Special note: The plant can be dangerous if used incorrectly,
and is strictly for botanical interest only - you should NOT consume any
preparation of the plant yourself.
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Botanical name: Duboisia myoporoides
Common name: Corkwood
Other common name(s): Cork Tree
Description: Small tree or large shrub. Small white
flowers and distinctive seeds are similar to D. hopwoodii.
Use(s): The berries contain scopolamine which is used
pharmaceutically as an aid against motion sickness. More than one
chemotype exists. The wood of some chemotypes was reportedly used as a
narcotic by Aborigines.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs across the east coast of
Australia from around Sydney up to northern Queensland. Prefers well
watered sandy soil.
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Botanical name: Eremophila bignoniiflora
Common name: River Angee
Other common name(s): Dogwood, Emu Bush
Description: Shrub to 5m. Rough grey bark, pale green slightly
drooping leaves. Pretty cream bell-shaped flowers precede oval-shaped
berries. The crushed leaves smell like dog urine, hence the nickname.
Use(s): The berries were boiled and the resulting decoction was
drunk as laxative.
Habitat and conditions: Widespread over arid to semi-arid
grasslands and floodplains in all mainland states. Prefers full sun. Will
tolerate
occasional frosts.
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Botanical name: Eremophila cuneifolia
Common name: Wedge-leaved eremophila
Other common name(s): Pinyuru
Description: Small shrub to 1.5m. Leaves are wedge-shaped, flowers
are purplish.
Use(s): A decoction was prepared from the leaves and drunk to help
with colds.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid Western Australia. Prefers
full sun. Drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Eremophila debilis
Common name: Winter Apple
Other common name(s): Amulla
Description: Small shrub, almost prostrate & trailing to 2m. Light
green leaves; small white to mauvish flowers. The green to pink-purple
fruit is succulent and bitter-tasting. Also known as Myoporum debile.
Use(s): The plant was used as a treatment for venereal disease. The
fruits were eaten and have a bitter taste.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal Northern NSW and SE
Queensland.
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Botanical name: Eremophila freelingii
Common name: Limestone Fuchsia
Other common name(s): Rock Fuchsia
Description: Small shrub to 2m. Sticky thin grey-green leaves, blue
or lilac flowers. Aromatic when crushed.
Use(s): The crushed plant was infused in water and washed over the
body, and also inhaled, to treat head-colds.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid Central Australia. Full sun,
drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Eremophila longifolia
Common name: Berrigan
Other common name(s): Emu-Bush, Weeping Emu Bush
Description: Shrub or small tree to 7m. Grey-green hairy leaves are
thin and tapered. Flowers are pink or purplish-red and slightly hairy.
Flowers almost all year.
Use(s): Crushed leaves were infused in water and the infusion was
drunk for colds, and rubbed over sores or body aches.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid temperate and subtropical
parts of Australia.
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Botanical name: Eremophila maculata
Common name: Spotted Emu-Bush
Other common name(s): Native Fuchsia
Description: Small shrub to 2m. Glossy dark green leaves. Tubular
flowers can be pink, yellow, or a number of other colours.
Use(s): Crushed leaves were inhaled to help clear the nasal
passages.
Habitat and conditions: Native all over inland Australia. Full sun.
Drought tolerant. Mildly frost tolerant.
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Botanical name: Erythrina vespertilio
Common name: Bat's Wing Coral Tree
Other common name(s): Grey Corkwood
Description: Deciduous thorny tree to 25m. The bark is greyish. The
light green leaf groups look like little bats, hence the name. Orange-red
pea-like flowers hang in clusters.
Use(s): The bark was soaked in water and applied to the head in case
of headache. Also, the leaves were boiled and the water drunk as a
sedative and to promote deeper sleep.
Habitat and conditions: Native to open woodlands and forests from
New South Wales to the Northern Territory. Full sun; drought resistant.
Apparently can also tolerate frosts.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Common name: River Red Gum
Other common name(s): Murray Red Gum
Description: Medium to large eucalypt to 35m. Deciduous light bark.
Use(s): The kino resin from the trunk is astringent and a water
mixture has been used to treat diarrhea. A leaf infusion was used to bathe
the head in case of colds or fevers.
Habitat and conditions: Native to all mainland states in semi-arid
or arid areas along watercourses and low-lying flats. Full sun; drought
tolerant.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus citriodora
Common name: Lemon-scented Gum
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium to large eucalypt to 40m, with smooth deciduous
grey bark.
Use(s): The leaves of this eucalypt contain a lemon-scented oil that
is rich in citronellal, which has certain specific antibacterial
properties. The kino resin from the bark contains citriodorol, which is
antibiotic. The oil from the leaves of this tree is used industrially.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal Queensland. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus dichromophloia
Common name: Variable Barked Bloodwood
Other common name(s): Gum-Topped Bloodwood
Description: Medium eucalypt to 25m. Bark is red underneath.
Use(s): A weak solution of the kino resin from the bark was consumed
as a tonic, and also as a remedy for toothache when used as a mouth rinse.
The nectar from the flowers was consumed to treat colds and coughs.
Habitat and conditions: Native to grassy woodlands of tropical
Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus dives
Common name: Broadleaf Peppermint
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 20m. Short trunk with a spreading
canopy. The grey bark is rough and textured.
Use(s): The oils extracted from the leaves are used as antiseptics
and in aromatherapy. The smoke from the leaves was applied from beneath a
person with fever.
Habitat and conditions: Native to SE Australia in mountainous areas.
Frost tolerant. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus drepanophylla
Common name: Bowen ironbark
Other common name(s): Queensland Grey Ironbark
Description: Medium eucalypt to 30m. Rough bark.
Use(s): The bark was boiled and the decoction was used to bathe
sores.
Habitat and conditions: Native to eastern Queensland. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus ssp globulus
Common name: Tasmanian Blue Gum
Other common name(s):
Description: Tall to very tall eucalypt occasionally reaching 70m.
The bluish-grey bark is deciduous. The young leaves are a blue-green
colour. A gorgeous, mighty tree.
Use(s): The tree is now cultivated worldwide for its volatile oils
which help clear the passages and treat aches and pains.
Habitat and conditions: Native to Tasmania and southern Victoria.
Full sun. Tolerates frosts.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus gummifera
Common name: Red Bloodwood
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium to tall eucalypt to 35m. Rough, flaky, fissured
bark. The bright red kino (gum resin from the bark) gives the common name.
Use(s): The kino resin is astringent and has been used to treat
sores associated with venereal diseases.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal areas from Victoria to
Queensland. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus haemastoma
Common name: Scribbly gum
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 15. The very light deciduous bark,
which glows ghostly white in the moonlight, has wavy/scribbly lines over
its surface, which are caused by a certain species of moth. Often assumes a rather deformed appearance. A strange,
beautiful species of eucalypt.
Use(s): The kino resin has antibacterial properties and was used to
treat cuts and sores, as well as being taken internally for dysentery.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal New South Wales,
especially in sandstoney areas.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus macrorhyncha ssp macrorhyncha
Common name: Red Stringybark
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 30m. Trunk is usually straight, but
sometimes crooked or deformed. Bark is fissured and brown.
Use(s): The kino gum resin is astringent. The leaves are a source
of rutin, a bioflavonoid which acts in conjunction with other substances
to strengthen the immune system.
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate southeastern Australia,
sometimes in South Australia too. Tolerates frost. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus maculata
Common name: Spotted Gum
Other common name(s):
Description: Tall eucalypt to 40m. Trunk is distinctively straight,
with smooth white-grey bark which peels in spots, hence the name.
Use(s): The kino resin, when mixed with water and swallowed, is
reputed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal eastern Australia. Prefers
slightly sandy soil.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus microtheca
Common name: Coolibah
Other common name(s):
Description: Small eucalypt to 12m. Bark varies from very light to
brown, and dull green-blue-grey pointed leaves.
Use(s): The inner bark was mashed and prepared into a poultice to
treat snakebite.
Habitat and conditions: Native all over northern Australia.
Reportedly hardy to -10 deg C, but its native habitat is warm.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus papuana var aparrerinja
Common name: Ghost Gum
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 20m with smooth white deciduous
bark, hence the name.
Use(s): The bark was broken and an infusion was drunk to treat
colds and to bathe sore eyes.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Australia.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus pilularis
Common name: Blackbutt
Other common name(s):
Description: Tall eucalypt to 50m. The trunks are distinctively
straight.
Use(s): The kino gum resin is astringent.
Habitat and conditions: Ranges all across the NSW coast into
southern Queensland over a variety of soil types.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus piperita
Common name: Sydney Peppermint
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 20m. Rough grey bark. The leaves,
when crushed smell similar to peppermint.
Use(s): The leaf oil extract has been used to treat digestive
problems.
Habitat and conditions: Native to the Sydney area and central
coastal NSW.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus polybractea
Common name: Blue Mallee
Other common name(s): Blue-leaved Mallee
Description: Large shrub/small mallee to 9m. Multi-stemmed with
blue-green leaves. The leaves, when crushed, smell very strongly of
eucalyptus.
Use(s): The crushed leaves are an industrial source of eucalyptus
oil to treat colds, body aches, etc.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid parts of eastern
Australia.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus polycarpa
Common name: Long-fruited Bloodwood
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium eucalypt to 15m. Rough flaky bark.
Use(s): The kino bark resin was eaten in case of dysentery.
Habitat and conditions: Native to outback NSW, Queensland and the
Northern Territory. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus racemosa
Common name: Snappy Gum
Other common name(s): Scribbly Gum, Northern Scribbly Gum
Description: Medium eucalypt to 25m. Like E.haemastoma, the
deciduous bark has characteristic "scribbles".
Use(s): The kino resin was used in case of diarrhea.
Habitat and conditions: Native to the Sydney and central coast area
of NSW. Full sun. Adequate water.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus resinifera
Common name: Red Stringybark
Other common name(s): Red Mahogany
Description: Medium to tall eucalypt to 30m. Stringy red bark.
Use(s): The inner bark was rubbed onto the skin in case of venereal
disease.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal eastern Australia. Prefers
full sun, adequate water, sheltered location.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus smithii
Common name: Gully Gum
Other common name(s): Blackbutt Peppermint
Description: Medium to tall eucalypt to 45m. The lower bark is
deciduous, rough, fragrant & grey. The upper shed bark hangs in long
ribbons from the branches.
Use(s): Crushed leaves are a good source of eucalypt oil.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal ranges of southeastern
Australia.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus terminalis
Common name: Mountain Bloodwood
Other common name(s): Inland Bloodwood, Western Bloodwood
Description: Medium to tall eucalypt with persistent light grey
bark.
Use(s): The red bark kino was mixed in water and consumed for
diarrhea and also for indigestion and chest pain.
Habitat and conditions: Native sandstone ridges in semi-arid and
arid areas of NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus tessellaris
Common name: Moreton Bay Ash
Other common name(s): Carbeen
Description: Medium to tall eucalypt. The lower bark is cracked in
a regular fashion while the upper bark is smooth.
Use(s): A bark infusion was prepared and consumed for dysentery.
Habitat and conditions: Native to northern NSW and Queensland.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus tetrodonta
Common name: Darwin Stringybark
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium to tall tree to 30m. The bark is rough and
persistent.
Use(s): A bark infusion was prepared and consumed for diarrhea. A
mashed leaf infusion was consumed for headache and fever.
Habitat and conditions: Native across tropical northern Australia.
Full sun, does best in sandy soil.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus viminalis
Common name: Manna Gum
Other common name(s): Ribbon Gum, White Gum
Description: Tall eucalypt to 45m. Lower bark is dark, upper bark
is light, and sheds in ribbons.
Use(s): The leaves have been used as a laxative, and were also
smoked over fire to reduce fever.
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate southeastern Australia
including Tasmania as well as mountainous areas of southeast Queensland.
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Botanical name: Eucalyptus youmanii
Common name: Youman's Stringybark
Other common name(s):
Description: Small eucalypt to 15m. The fibrous ruddy bark is thick
and fissured.
Use(s): The leaves are a source of rutin, a bioflavonoid which acts
in conjunction with other substances to strengthen the immune system.
Habitat and conditions: Native to NSW and southern Queensland,
especially in damper areas.
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Botanical name: Eucryphia lucida
Common name: Leatherwood
Other common name(s):
Description: Usually shrubby but occasionally large tree to 25m.
Leathery glossy leaves are almost white underneath, and sticky when young.
White flowers are fragrant.
Use(s): The fragrant resin exuded by the plant was used as an
antiseptic.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in Tasmania in rainforest locations.
Keep well watered.
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Botanical name: Euphorbia drummondii
Common name: Caustic weed
Other common name(s):
Description: Small prostrate herb (weedy in many places) with
smooth small dull bluish- or reddish-green leaves which are sometimes
serrated. The sap is milky-white and corrosive.
Use(s): An infusion of the plant was prepared and drunk for
diarrhea, dysentery, fever and rheumatism. Applied topically for skin
irritation. The sap was also applied in case of venereal disease.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in all mainland states in
predominantly inland areas. Very hardy.
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Botanical name: Ficus coronata
Common name: Sandpaper Fig
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium fig tree to 12m. Broad dark-green leaves are
rough on the top. The edible fig is between 1 and 2cm in diameter and is
dark purple when ripe.
Use(s): The milky sap of young stems is applied to wounds. A
poultice is made from the bark too. The purple-black fruit are edible and
sweet, once the hairy skin has been removed.
Habitat and conditions: Native to rainforest environments near the
coast, from eastern Victoria through to Queensland and into the Northern
Territory. Prefers moist soil, part shade.
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Botanical name: Flindersia maculosa
Common name: Leopardwood
Other common name(s): Leopard Tree
Description: Small to medium tree to 15m. The bark sheds
irregularly and thus looks spotty like a jigsaw puzzle.
Use(s): The resin from the trunk has been used to treat diarrhea.
Habitat and conditions: Native to inland NSW and Queensland. Full
sun, drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Geijera parviflora
Common name: Wilga
Other common name(s): Australian Willow
Description: Small tree to 9m with profuse canopy of long thin
leaves, making the tree resemble a willow. Tiny white flowers.
Use(s): The leaves are infused in water and drunk to alleviate
pain. The raw leaves were chewed to treat toothache. The dried and
crumbled leaves were smoked in conjunction with other species and produce
drowsiness. They have been use ceremonially.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid and arid regions all
over the mainland. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Goodenia ovata
Common name: Hop Goodenia
Other common name(s):
Description: Small dense shrub to 1.5m with bright green leaves and
pretty yellow flowers. Sometimes the foliage is rather sticky.
Use(s): The leaves and stems were infused in water and drunk to
treat diabetes.
Habitat and conditions: Widespread across eastern Australia except
in the far north. Very hardy.
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Botanical name: Goodenia scaevolina
Common name: Blue Fan Flower
Other common name(s):
Description: Small dense shrub to 1.5m. The leaves are serrated.
The flowers are a beautiful blue.
Use(s): The juice of the crushed roots was consumed to treat
coughs.
Habitat and conditions: Native to tropical Western Australia and the
Northern Territory.
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Botanical name: Goodenia varia
Common name: Sticky Goodenia
Other common name(s):
Description: Clumping low shrub less than 1m. Leaves
are toothed and slightly rigid. Yellow flowers appear sporadically
throughout the year.
Use(s): A leaf decoction was used as a very mild
sedative.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in southern Australia from
coast to coast. Full sun, drought hardy, likes clay soils, frost
resistant.
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Botanical name: Grevillea pyramidalis
Common name: Caustic Bush
Other common name(s): Blister Bush, West Pilbara Grevillea
Description: Small tree to 10m. Blue-green leaves and bright
yellow/white flower clusters.
Use(s): The greenish inner bark was mashed in water until it turned
white, and then rubbed around women's breasts to induce lactation. Try it
with your girlfriend today!
Habitat and conditions: Tropical Western Australia along the slopes
and plains.
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Botanical name: Gyrocarpus americanus
Common name: Gyro Damson
Other common name(s):
Description: Small deciduous tree with a thick trunk and smooth
bark. The large leaves are ovoid to heart-shaped and often hairy.
Use(s): The roots and young stems were infused in water and rub on
day-old cuts as an antiseptic. The infusion was also rubbed over rheumatic
parts of the body.
Habitat and conditions: Tropical Western Australia and Northern
Territory. Often found in rocky places.
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Botanical name: Haemodorum spicatum
Common name: Mardja
Other common name(s): Bloodroot
Description: Perennial stalky herb to 1m. The flowers are deep
purple, almost black. The bulbs are red, hence the name.
Use(s): The bulbs were roasted and used as a spice. It also
apparently treated dysentery.
Habitat and conditions: Native to Western Australia.
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Botanical name: Hakea macrocarpa
Common name: Dyaridany
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 8m. Long narrow leaves are hairy on both
sides. The yellow-green flowers are clustered and precede ovoid fruit
about 4cm long.
Use(s): The charcoal from the burnt wood was used to open up cuts.
Habitat and conditions: Tropical arid regions of Western Australia
and the Northern Territory.
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Botanical name: Heteropogon contortus
Common name: Black Speargrass
Other common name(s): Tanglehead Grass
Description: Grassy clumping plant to 1m with brownish flowered
spikes.
Use(s): The narrow leaves were infused in water to help coughs. The
plant was also chewed like tobacco.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs worldwide including over tropical
Australia.
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Botanical name: Hibiscus tiliaceus
Common name: Cotton tree
Other common name(s): Yellow Hibiscus
Description: Small tree to 9m. Round heart-shaped leaves are smooth
and soft and profuse. The flower is a beautiful large yellow spiral funnel
with a crimson centre.
Use(s): The leaves are wrapped around food before cooking to add
flavour, and the flowers are edible. The bark and sap-wood are infused in
water and poured over wounds as an antiseptic.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in subtropical and tropical coastal
regions of Australia, and worldwide.
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Botanical name: Ipomoea pes-caprae ssp brasiliensis
Common name: Goatsfoot convolvulus
Other common name(s):
Description: Trailing cover to 10m long. The flowers are pink
funnels at intervals between the alternate ovoid leaves.
Use(s): A boiled leaf infusion was applied to sores. The infusion
was drunk to treat venereal disease. Leaves were heated and applied to
boils to induce discharge. Has also been used in Brazil for different
purposes.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs over coastal areas across Australia.
Occurs worldwide also.
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Botanical name: Isotoma petraea
Common name: Rock Isotome
Other common name(s): Wild Tobacco
Description: Small herb to 30cm high. Clustered erect stems hold
sharply serrated leaves. The medium flowers are pale blue with 5 distinct
petals like a star. Quite a pretty herb.
Use(s): The dried leaves were rolled up and chewed like tobacco as
a stimulant. When mixed with Acacia aneura (mulga) the dried crushed plant
was used as a general pain and discomfort inhibitor.
Habitat and conditions: Native to dry rocky slopes across interior
Australia.
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Botanical name: Lavatera plebeia
Common name: Australian Hollyhock
Other common name(s): Flood Mallow
Description: Small short-lived perennial herb to 1.5m. The leaves
are medium-green and up to 15cm in diameter. The flowers are lilac to
purply-magenta, about 2.5cm across, with distinct petals.
Use(s): A poultice was made by boiling the leaves, which was
applied to skin boils.
Habitat and conditions: Native to temperate inland southern
Australia and occasional in Central Australia. Prefers full sun, good
drainage.
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Botanical name: Leptospermum petersonii
Common name: Lemon-Scented Tea Tree
Other common name(s):
Description: Generally a shrub to 4m with small, thin
leaves and small white flowers. Smells markedly of lemon.
Use(s): Apart from this plant's uses in perfume and
aromatherapy, it is antiseptic, reputedly a mild sedative, and is also a
powerful insect repellant. The active components include citronellal and
citral.
Habitat and conditions: Native to eastern NSW and southern
Queensland. Tolerates frost once established. Moderate water, full sun.
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Botanical name: Lythrum salicaria
Common name: Purple Loosestrife
Other common name(s):
Description: Small herbaceous plant to 1m. Erect branches crowned
in pink-purple flower bunches. Spectacular when it occurs in clumps or in
a field; however this plant is invasive.
Use(s): The entire plant has astringent properties and has been
used for such conditions as diarrhea, and irregular or heavy menstrual
flow; has also used to reduce blood sugar levels.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in temperate to subtropical wetter
areas of NSW and Queensland. This is an introduced herb and occurs
worldwide, including Europe and North America.
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Botanical name: Macadamia integrifolia
Common name: Smooth-shelled Macadamia
Other common name(s):
Description: Small to medium tree to 15m. The leaves are glossy,
medium to dark green. The white flowers occur in a long raceme. The fruit
is, of course, the Macadamia Nut, with a smooth hard green shell about
2.5cm in diameter. It is this species which is the most widely cultivated.
Use(s): The nuts are edible and delicious, either raw or roasted.
Australia's only major native edible commercial crop. The oil from
the nuts can be prepared into a soothing skin lotion. When host to bees,
the honey has antibacterial properties.
Habitat and conditions: Native to a small area of southeastern
Queensland. Subtropical rainforest, part to full sun. This tree is now
cultivated all over the world. Many people mistakenly believe that it is
native to Hawaii.
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Botanical name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Common name: Medicinal Tea Tree
Other common name(s): Australian Tea Tree, Ti Tree
Description: Shrub or small tree to 6m, with the canopy spreading
to around 4m. The bark is papery and the leaves are small and pointed. The
small white or cream flowers are in clustered spikes.
Use(s): "Tea tree oil" is extracted via steam distillation from the
leaves. This oil is bacteriostatic and germicidal and has been used to
treat sores, cuts and boils as well as various skin conditions.
Habitat and conditions: Native to northeastern NSW and southeastern
Queensland. Prefers well watered rich soil, well drained, in full sun.
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Botanical name: Melaleuca hypericifolia
Common name: Hillock Honey Myrtle
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 6m. The bark becomes papery with age. The
habit becomes weeping also. The leaves are opposite, narrow, and
dull-green. The flowers are beautiful red spiky clusters.
Use(s): The leaves are crushed and inhaled to treat headache.
Habitat and conditions: Native to moist southeastern NSW. Prefers a
sunny position with adequate water.
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Botanical name: Melaleuca linariifolia
Common name: Snow in Summer
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 10m. The whitish flower clusters
envelope the tree in summer, hence the name. A very showy specimen.
Use(s): The leaves contain antibacterial oil similar to that of M.
alternifolia.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal areas in eastern
Australia. Prefers moist conditions.
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Botanical name: Melaleuca quinquenervia
Common name: Broad-Leaved Paperbark
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium tree to 25m. The bark is papery and spongy. The
leaves are stiff and relatively narrow. The flowers are clustered on small
spikes in a similar manner to M. alternifolia.
Use(s): The leaves were mashed and a water infusion was drunk to
relieve headaches and colds. The distilled oil contains cineole which is
applied externally to help rheumatism and neuralgia, as well as being used
as an expectorant.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal and swampy areas from NSW
right up to northern Queensland. Prefers plenty of water.
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Botanical name: Melaleuca uncinata
Common name: Broombush
Other common name(s): Broom Honey Myrtle
Description: Small shrub to 2m. Narrow leaves, small yellow-golden
globular flower clusters.
Use(s): The leaves were chewed to treat catarrh (nose or throat
inflammation).
Habitat and conditions: Surprisingly for a Melaleuca, native to
semi-arid and arid areas of the eastern states of Australia. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Melia azedarach var australasica
Common name: Cape Lilac
Other common name(s): White Cedar
Description: Medium to tall tree to 40m. Deciduous leaves. Lacy
lilac flowers have a fragrance resembling chocolate. A good ornamental
tree. Berries are around 2cm in diameter.
Use(s): The fruit pulp was used to treat skin diseases. All parts of
the plant are bitter and purgative. The fruit is poisonous.
Habitat and conditions: Native to rainforests and moist locations in
New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Mentha australis
Common name: River Mint
Other common name(s): Australian Mint, Native Mint
Description: Creeping herb with small tapered
leaves, with the flowers blooming at leaf junctions. A much stronger mint
than normal peppermint or spearmint.
Use(s): Makes an interesting mint tea, which is reputedly
good for easing the effects of colds. The crushed leaves were sniffed to
relieve headache.
Habitat and conditions: Shaded areas near waterways
(usually inland) in all states.
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Botanical name: Morinda citrifolia
Common name: Great Morinda
Other common name(s): Cheesefruit, Noni
Description: Large shrub or small tree to 12m. Large glossy oval
leaves to 30cm. The small white flowers grow from a fleshy structure. The
ripe fruit is green-white and ovoid, and smells like vomit!
Use(s): The fruit is bland but edible, raw or cooked, sometimes with
salt. The young leaves can be eaten as a vegetable. The juice is high in
Vitamin C and is marketed today as a tonic. An infusion of the rootbark
was used as an antiseptic. A preparation of the roots and trunk has
hypotensive properties. All in all, a very useful tree indeed.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs along the seashore of tropical
Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as over many Pacific
islands and SE Asia. Prefers wet, swampy ground.
Special note: New seeds now available courtesy of our friends
at Herbalistics.
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Botanical name: Myoporum platycarpum
Common name: Sugarwood
Other common name(s): Ngural
Description: Small tree to 7m. The bark often exudes pink resin as
a result of insect wounds. Medium sized leaves can be slightly sticky. The
small white flowers have purple spots .
Use(s): The sweet bark resin caused from insect wounds is a
laxative.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid inland areas of southern
states from Victoria to Western Australia. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Nauclea orientalis
Common name: Leichhardt Tree
Other common name(s):
Description: Medium tree to 25m. Large dark glossy leaves. Can be
briefly deciduous. Attractive white and yellow flowers occur in ball-like
clusters.
Use(s): The bark and wood are bitter and an alcoholic infusion has
been used for a tonic, to cure fever, to induce vomiting and to treat
snakebite. Externally it was used to treat rheumatism.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal northern Queensland and
the Northern Territory. Also occurs across topical Asia. Prefers wet
conditions.
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Botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera
Common name: Sacred Lotus
Other common name(s):
Description: Aquatic perennial herb. Large circular leaves rise
from the water surface. The flowers are large, multi-petaled, pink and
fragrant; a spectacular plant indeed. Incidentally, a seed from this
species is the oldest seed ever to have been germinated, at the age of
1288 years.
Use(s): The petals of its spectacular flowers are astringent. The
milky sap/juice from the stalks have been used to treat diarrhea.
Habitat and conditions: Native across Asia and into coastal tropical
Australia from Western Australia to Queensland. Obviously, needs water.
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Botanical name: Omalanthus nutans
Common name: Native Bleeding Heart
Other common name(s): Queensland Poplar
Description: Shrub to 6m. Leaves are green on the top side, often
dull red underneath. Flowers are small and vary from yellow-green to red.
Previously known as Omalanthus populifolius.
Use(s): The leaves were crushed and used to stop bleeding.
Habitat and conditions: Native to shady moist areas of New South
Wales and Queensland. Part to full shade. Frost tender.
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Botanical name: Owenia acidula
Common name: Emu Apple
Other common name(s): Sour Plum, Native Nectarine, Desert Plum
Description: Small tree. The leaves comprise many darker glossy
mini-leaves. The fruit is reddish and succulent and very sour.
Use(s): The fruit is edible, but not particularly tasty - too sour.
The wood was boiled and the cooled infusion was used to bathe sore eyes.
Was used to treat malaria.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid Central Australia. Full sun,
drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Owenia reticulata
Common name: Desert Walnut
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 10m. Large leaves comprise smaller
smooth leathery mini-leaves.
Use(s): The seeds were roasted and extracted, and applied to sores.
A leaf infusion was used as a poultice. The nutty fruits were possibly
eaten.
Habitat and conditions: Coastal areas of tropical Western Australia
and the Northern Territory. Sandy soil. Full sun.
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Botanical name: Petalostigma pubescens
Common name: Quinine Tree
Other common name(s): Bitterbark
Description: Small tree to 7m. Small oval leaves, yellow flowers.
The small fruit is yellow to red and hairy.
Use(s): The bitter tasting fresh fruit and bark have been made into
a tonic. The bark has also been used to treat fever, and a bark infusion
is astringent and antiseptic. The fresh fruits were placed inside the
mouth (not swallowed) to treat toothache.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal areas of tropical northern
Australia and as far down as the coastal NE of NSW. Grows in thickets on
hill sides.
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Botanical name: Petalostigma quadriloculare
Common name: Quinine Bush
Other common name(s):
Description: Small shrub to 1m. Yellow flowers in leaf margins.
Fruit is similar to P. pubescens.
Use(s): Same as P. pubescens. The bitter tasting fresh fruit and
bark have been made into a tonic. The bark has also been used to treat
fever, and a bark infusion is astringent and antiseptic. The fresh fruits
were placed inside the mouth (not swallowed) to treat toothache.
Habitat and conditions: Native to coastal areas of tropical northern
Australia. Grows in rocky areas. Generally similar distribution to P.
pubescens.
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Botanical name: Pittosporum phillyraeoides
Common name: Butterbush
Other common name(s): Weeping Pittosporum
Description: Small tree to 10m. Weeping slender habit. The leaves
are dark green and the flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is bitter.
Use(s): An infusion was made of the leaves, fruit and bark and
drunk to treat pain and cramps. A boiled infusion of the fruit was applied
externally to treat skin disorders.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid and arid regions all
over the mainland. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Pittosporum venulosum
Common name: Brown Pittosporum
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 10m. The flowers are fragrant. The fruit
is golden and globular.
Use(s): The mashed or bruised roots were sniffed as an aphrodisiac.
Habitat and conditions: Native to rainforests in northern
Queensland. Prefers moist habitat.
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Botanical name: Pongamia pinnata
Common name: Indian Beech
Other common name(s):
Description: Small tree to 8m. Leaves vary from burgundy to light
green to dark green throughout the year. The flowers release a subtle
fragrance during the night.
Use(s): The seed oil has been used to treat skin disorders and
rheumatism. The leaves were made into a poultice to treat ulcers. All
parts of this plant are toxic and will induce vomiting if consumed
internally.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in tropical coastal Queensland and
Northern Territory, as well as across tropical Asia.
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Botanical name: Portulaca oleracea
Common name: Pigweed
Other common name(s): Purslane
Description: Small prostrate annual herb to 0.5m. The leaves are
succulent and the flowers are small and yellow. A weed in many places.
Use(s): The plant is a diuretic and has been used to cleanse the
blood.
Habitat and conditions: This plant has been introduced to Australia
and occurs worldwide.
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Botanical name: Prostanthera rotundifolia
Common name: Round-leaf Mint Bush
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 2.5m. Small medium-green
rounded leaves, sometimes with a purplish hue, pink-purple flowers.
Wonderfully scented!
Use(s): Is used along with Mentha australis to make a
native mint tea. The volatile oil of P. rotundifolia has carminative
properties.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs across the south-eastern
side of Australia, including many areas of NSW and Victoria. Likes a
sheltered position with adequate watering.
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Botanical name: Pteridium esculentum
Common name: Common bracken
Other common name(s):
Description: Fern to 3m. Fast growing. The rhizome is long and
covered in reddish hairs.
Use(s): The plant is reportedly anthelmintic and astringent. An
infusion of the leaves and stalks has been used to treat rheumatism. The
juice of the young stems has been used to treat insect bites.
Habitat and conditions: Native to moist, shady, cooler areas of all
states including Tasmania. Also found in New Zealand.
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Botanical name: Rhynchosia minima
Common name: Rhyncho
Other common name(s): Snout Bean
Description: Prostrate or climbing herb. Groups of three leaflets
are ovate. Yellow-reddish flowers are pendulous and small.
Use(s): Plant is a source of prodelphinidin, which is an
antibiotic.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in tropical Queensland and the
Northern Territory; also occurs worldwide.
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Botanical name: Santalum acuminatum
Common name: Quangdong
Other common name(s): Native Peach
Description: Shrub or small tree to 8m but usually around 3m. The
plant is parasitic, with its roots attaching themselves to the roots of
another shrub, herb or grass. The leaves are distinctly grey-green and are
leathery and variable in size. The flowers are small, white, and occur in
clusters at the ends of branchlets. The greenish or yellow fruit is about
3cm in diameter and becomes bright red when ripe.
Use(s): The edible fruit is high in vitamin C and various minerals,
and is made into jams, pies, or eaten raw. The ground seed kernels have
been used as a liniment. The root was ground and an infusion was drunk to
treat rheumatism. The leaves were crushed and a poultice was made to treat
sores and boils.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid and arid regions of
mainland Australia. Prefers full sun and sandy soils.
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Botanical name: Santalum lanceolatum
Common name: Plumbush
Other common name(s): Northern Sandalwood
Description: Shrub or small tree to 7m. Rough grey bark and medium
sized grey leaves with small clusters of cream flowers. The red berries
are about 1cm in diameter and become dark purple or black when ripe.
Use(s): The sweet-tasting fruit was eaten raw. They are reputed to
be slightly narcotic. A boiled infusion of the leaves and bark was
consumed as a purgative. A poultice of the roots was applied to treat
rheumatism.
Habitat and conditions: Widespread across Australia, throughout the
inland as well as in drier coastal regions.
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Botanical name: Santalum spicatum
Common name: Fragrant Sandalwood
Other common name(s): Australian Sandalwood
Description: Small tree to 8m. The bark is rough and the wood is
very fragrant, hence the name. The flowers are very small, occurring in
bunches, and are green on the outside and reddish inside.
Use(s): An infusion or decoction of the inner bark was drunk as a
cough medicine. The inside of the nuts was rubbed on the body to treat
stiffness and colds. The oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid and arid regions of
Central and Western Australia. Full sun, drought tolerant. Prefers sandy
loam.
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Botanical name: Scaevola spinescens
Common name: Prickly Fanflower
Other common name(s): Currant Bush
Description: Small shrub to 2m. The plant is hairy and often spiny.
The flowers are very sparse and are cream or ruddy yellow.
Use(s): A root infusion was drunk to treat stomach ache and urinary
complaints. A decoction of the stems was drunk to treat sores and boils.
The entire plant was burned and the fumes inhaled to treat colds.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid central Australia. Prefers
full sun, sandy soil.
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Botanical name: Senna artemisioides ssp artemisioides
Common name: Silver Cassia
Other common name(s): Feathery Cassia
Description: Small shrub to 2m. The leaves and branches are covered
in very fine white hair, making the overall appearance of the plant
silvery grey. Narrow grey/silver leaves to 5cm, flowers are bright
yellow/orange. Formerly called Cassia artemisioides.
Use(s): The ash of this plant was mixed with Pituri into a ball for
chewing.
Habitat and conditions: Native to subtropical and tropical arid
Western Australia across Central Australia to inland tropical and
subtropical Queensland.
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Botanical name: Senna barclayana
Common name: Pepperleaf Senna
Other common name(s): Ant Bush
Description: Shrub to 2m. Compound leaves of 8 to 20 leaflets 2.5cm
long. Flowers are sparse. Formerly Cassia barclayana.
Use(s): The plant is poisonous. It is related to an Indian senna
which has been used as a laxative and for the treatment of skin disorders.
Included for interest only.
Habitat and conditions: Native to subtropical and tropical eastern
states, both coastal and inland areas. Also occurs in tropical and
equatorial Asia.
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Botanical name: Senna odorata
Common name: Australian Senna
Other common name(s):
Description: Tall shrub. Leaves are comprised of 6 to 10 pairs of
leaflets. The veined flowers are yellow and are followed by flat seed
pods. Formerly Cassia odorata.
Use(s): The leaves have been used as a laxative.
Habitat and conditions: Native to semi-arid NSW, Queensland and the
Northern Territory.
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Botanical name: Senna pleurocarpa var pleurocarpa
Common name: Ribfruit Senna
Other common name(s): Smooth Cassia
Description: Shrub to 3m. Compound light green leaves with 5
leaflet pairs. Veined flowers are pale yellow in loose bunches. Formerly
Cassia pleurocarpa.
Use(s): The leaves and pods are laxative. The plant is poisonous
and included for interest only.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid mainland Australia. Full sun,
drought tolerant.
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Botanical name: Sesbania sesban
Common name: Sesbania
Other common name(s): Ngean-jerry
Description: Shrub to 3m. Leaves are compound with 10 to 20 pairs
of leaflets. The yellow flowers occur in pendulous bunches and the upper
petal is purple.
Use(s): A poultice is made from the leaves, which are warmed and
mixed in castor oil and applied to skin boils.
Habitat and conditions: Occurs in tropical coastal Queensland and
worldwide.
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Botanical name: Solanum capsiciforme
Common name: Native pepper
Other common name(s):
Description: Shrub to 2m. Narrow concave leaves, with light violet
flowers about an inch in diameter. The green fruits resemble little
capsicums.
Use(s): The plant is a source of solasodine, which is used to
produce steroidal hormones in the medicine industry as contraceptives.
Habitat and conditions: Native to arid areas of South Australia and
Western Australia. Drought tolerant, full sun.
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Botanical name: Solanum aviculare
Common name: Kangaroo Apple&n |