| Botanical Name | Common Name | Description | Habitat |
| Acacia
beauverdiana | Pukati | Small tree to 6m. Golden flowers.
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. | Prefers sandy soil. Drought hardy.
Native to SW Western Australia,
occurring in semi-arid locations. |
| Acacia
bivenosa ssp wayi | Umbrella Bush,
Two-Nerved Wattle | Shrub to 3m tall. Produces golden globular flowers.
The bark was used as a cough syrup boiled or soaked in water.
Also, the ash can be combined with Duboisia hopwoodii for chewing. | Native to arid southern Australia.
Prefers dry alkaline soil.
Doesn't tolerate too many frosts.
Drought tolerant. |
| Acacia
cuthbertsonii | Cuthbertson's Wattle | Shrub to 2m with twisted trunk. Yellow flowers.
The bark has been used as an aid against toothache. | Native to arid Western Australia.
Prefers full sun. Drought tolerant. |
| Acacia
decurrens | Early Black Wattle,
Queen Wattle | Tree to 14m. Dark trunk. Brilliant yellow flowers.
Feathery green leaves. The bark is astringent.
A preparation from the bark was used to treat dysentry and diarrhoea..
The bark has also been used in more modern times in the tanning
industry. | Native to cooler and wetter regions
of NSW. Hardy to -7 deg C.
Full sun. |
|
| Acacia
falcata | Lignum vitae,
Sickle-leaved Wattle | Shrub to 3m. Small cream clustered flowers.
Leaves resemble Eucalyptus.
A lotion was made from the bark to treat skin disorders. | Native to NSW and southern
Queensland coastal areas.
Prefers clay or shale soils.
Part to full sun.
|
| Acacia
holosericea | Velvet Wattle,
Candelabra Wattle | Shrub to 2.5m. Small yellow flowers occur on spikes.
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. | Native to tropical Australia.
Found along watercourses and
in open forest areas. Full sun.
|
| Acacia
implexa | Hickory Wattle,
Lightwood | Small tree to 4m. Cream globular flowerheads with 30
to 50 flowers inside.
A lotion was made from the bark to treat skin disorders. | Native to Victoria, NSW and
SE Queensland. Many soil types.
Part sun, moderate water.
Frost tolerant. |
| Acacia
ixiophylla | Sticky Leaved Wattle | Dark green shrub to 2.5m. The phyllodes are sticky.
Flowers are yellow balls.
It is reported that compounds found in its branches have
tumour-fighting properties, although at this stage appropriate
preparations and
efficacy are unknown. | Occurs in temperate to subtropical
eucalypt forests or mallee scrub in
NSW and Queensland as well as
SW Western Australia.
Part to full sun. |
| Acacia
leptocarpa | North Coats Wattle | Small tree to 7m. Yellow flowers.
An infusion in water was made with the crushed phyllodes to treat sore
eyes. | Native to tropical Australia.
Found near creeks and waterways.
|
| Acacia
melanoxylon | Blackwood,
Black Sally | Medium to large tree to 30m.
A hot infusion was made with the roasted bark to bathe sore and
rheumatic
joints.
(Some people experience allergic asthmatic reactions to this tree,
especially
to its dust when used as wood - so don't chop it down).
| Native to temperate southern Australia.
Prefers well-watered rich soil. |
| Acacia
monticola | Red
Wattle | Shrub to 4m. Flowers are clustered yellow balls.
Sticky, hairy branches.
A water infusion was made with stems or branches which was drunk or
bathed in for coughs and colds. | Native to arid tropical Australia.
Poor soil. Full sun. Drought tolerant. |
| Acacia
tetrogonophylla | Prickly Wattle,
Dead-finish
| Shrub to 3m. Myriad beautiful yellow follows in
globular clusters.
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 dysentry.
An infusion was made from the cleaned inner bark and consumed for
coughs. Wood ashes (minus bark) was used as an antiseptic. | Occurs widely throughout Central Australia.
Extremely tough & drought tolerant. |
|
| Acacia
translucens | Poverty Bush , | Small shrub. Globular yellow flower clusters.
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. | Tropical Western Australia and Northern
Territory. Sandy soil. Full sun. |
|
| Acacia
victoriae | Elegant Wattle ,
Bramble Wattle | Prickly shrub, yellow flowers.
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. | Occurs in semi-arid and arid
southern Australia. |
| Adansonia
gregorii | Australian Boab Tree ,
Bottle Tree | Tree to 15m. Deciduous in the dry season, extremely
distinctive tree
with swollen trunk (which can grow to more than 3m in diameter).
Avoid fruit is around 15cm long. Large creamy white flowers.
Smaller than its Madagascan cousin. Also known as Adansonia gibbosa.
The fruit pith & seed is edible - either roasted or raw.
The leaves and roots were used to treat digestive complaints.
| Native to tropical semi-arid regions
of northwest Western Australia. |
|
| Adiantum
aethiopicum | Common maidenhair fern ,
Valley Mist | Fern to 60cm high. Fine fronds up to 80cm long.
Astringent and emetic.
A soothing infusion is prepared with 1 to 5 parts fronds for every 100 parts water. | 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. |
|
| Aleurites
moluccana | Candlenut Tree , | Large evergreen tree to 20m.
Hairy large leaves crowd near the ends of branches.
Olive-coloured ball-shaped fruit, containing one or two seeds.
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. | Northern NSW and SE Queensland.
Variants are also native to many South
Pacific and Asian equatorial countries.
Prefers moist warm locations. |
|
| Alocasia
brisbanensis | Spoon lily ,
Cunjevoi | 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.
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 s the eyes, and is therefore included for interest only. | Native to Queensland. |
|
| Alphitonia
excelsa | Red Ash ,
Leatherjacket | Tree to 20m. Flowers are cream to green in colour.
The berries are red/black and occur in clusters.
The leaves are leathery & elliptical.
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. | Native to northern tropical Australia
and forest areas down to the east
coast of NSW.
|
|
| Alphitonia
petriei | Pink Almond ,
White or Pink Ash | 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.
The bark was infused in boiling water for external application to
treat aches and pains. | Native to rainforests in tropical and
subtropical Australia and nearby islands.
|
|
| Angophora
costata | Sydney Red Gum ,
Smooth-barked Apple Gum | Tall tree to 25m. Related to the eucalypts.
Pinkish/ruddy bark.
Large, rather gnarled trunk. White flowers in bunches.
Beware: drops branches frequently.
The trunk exudes a reddish substance (kino), a solution of
which has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. | Native to SE Queensland and all
along coastal NSW. Full sun.
Can tolerate light frosts.
|
|
| Araucaria
cunninghamii | Hoop Pine ,
Moreton Bay Pine | Very large tree to 60m. Similar in appearance to
Bunya Nut.
The bark of this tree exudes a resin when cut.
This resin can be dissolved in alcohol to treat kidney ailments. | Native to southern Queensland and
Northern coastal NSW. A variety also
occurs in New Guinea.
Likes good rainfall, full sun.
|
|
| Asteromyrtus
symphyocarpa | Liniment Tree ,
Waria-Waria Tree | Shrub or small tree to 10m with a bluish tinge.
Flowers are golden-orange in globular clusters.
Formerly known as Melaleuca symphyocarpa.
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 ease breathing. | Native to swampy coastal areas of
tropical northern Queensland and the
Northern Territory.
|
|
| Atherosperma
moschatum | Native
Sassafras, | Tree to 20m. The crushed leaves are aromatic.
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. | Native to Tasmania and southeastern
mainland rainforests.
Prefers a moist location.
|
|
| Atriplex
nummularia | Oldman
Saltbush | Shrub to 2m. Grey oval leaves.
Was used for the treatment of scurvy and blood diseases. | Native to temperate and subtropical
arid Australia. Full sun. Frost tolerant.
OK in salty soil.
|
|
| Backhousia
citriodora | Lemon Scented Myrtle,
Lemon Ironwood | 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.
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. | Native to coastal Queensland.
Prefers rich, moist soil. Part to full sun.
Hardy to -8 deg C once established.
Keep warm when young though.
|
|
| Buchanania
obovata | Green Plum ,
Wild Plum | 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.
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. | Native to tropical Northern Territory
and Queensland near the Gulf of
Carpentaria. Full sun, warm conditions.
|
|
| Bursaria
spinosa | Native or Christmas Box ,
Blackthorn | Tallish shrub with oval leaves with thorny branches.
Fragrant cream flowers cover the plant in summer.
The leaves contain a compound called Aesculin which is useful for
certain
skin conditions as well as in sun-tan lotion. | Occurs generally in wetter areas of all states.
|
|
| Callitris
columellaris | White Cypress Pine ,
Bribie Island Pine | Medium-large tree to 30m. Tiny grey/green leaves grow
off the stems.
Rough dark bark.
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. | Occurs usually in semi-arid areas in
all mainland states, although sometimes
on the coast too. Drought tolerant.
|
|
| Callitris
endlicheri | Black Cypress Pine , | Dark leaved triangular evergreen conifer to 13m.
Tiny leaves, like C. columellaris, grow off the stems.
The yellow resin of injured trees is rich in geranyl acetate.
Has been used as a worming agent for horses. | Cool rocky or mountainous environments
in Eastern Australia from Victoria to
southern Queensland.
|
|
| Calophyllum
inophyllum | Alexandrian Laurel ,
Tamanu | Medium tree to 20m. Thick dark trunk. Oblong leaves.
Small white flowers are pleasantly fragrant.
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. | Prefers part to full sun with well
watered soil. Native to South Asia;
occurs in tropical Queensland and
the Northern Territory.
|
|
| Canavalia
rosea | Beach Bean ,
Bay Bean | Coastal vine or trailing herb with light green
semi-succulent
leaves and striking pink flowers.
The pods are green and around 12cm long.
An infusion was made with the crushed roots
and rubbed over the skin for rheumatism, general pain,
skin disorders, and colds. | 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.
|
|
| Carpobrotus
rossii | Native Pigface, | 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.
Was used in Tasmania as a purgative.
Both the fruit and the leaves are edible. | Native in all southern states including
Tasmania, predominantly in sandy
coastal areas. Well drained soil;
part to full sun. |
| Castanospermum
australe | Moreton Bay Chestnut ,
Blackbean | 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.
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.
| 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.
|
|
| Casuarina
equisetifolia
ssp equisetifolia | Coastal She-oak ,
Australian Pine | Tall evergreen tree to 30m. Rough reddish-brown to
grey bark.
Wide spreading branches. Tiny grey-green leaves on the stems and
branchlets.
The bark is very astringent and was used to treat diarrhoea.
A mouthwash has been used to cure toothache. | Native to subtropical and tropical Australia,
tropical Pacific islands, and to tropical
and equatorial Asia.
|
|
| Cinnamomum
camphora | Camphorwood ,
Indian Bay-Leaf | Also known as Cinnamomum tamala. Medium to tall tree
to 35m.
Dark roughish bark. Tough 3-veined glossy leaves.
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. | 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)
|
|
| Cissus
hypoglauca | Native Grape ,
Jungle Vine | Tall evergreen woody climber. Clusters of yellow
flowers.
Very thick, strong vine.
The dark blue berries are edible. The berries were also
crushed and mixed in water and gargled, to treat sore throat. | Forest areas of eastern Victoria,
New South Wales and Queensland.
Frost tender, shade to part shade, rich soil.
|
|
| Clematis
glycinoides | Traveler's Joy ,
Forest Clematis | Woody climber with green glossy leaves with profuse
white flowers in spring.
The leaves were crushed and inhaled to treat headaches
and colds. | Moist areas in forests and gullies from
Victoria through up the east coast of Australia.
Part to full shade.
|
|
| Clematis
microphylla | Small Leaf Clematis ,
Fine-Leaved Clematis | Strong climber with creamy-lime fragrant flowers
and thin stems.
The leaves were applied to soothe irritated skin. | Coastal areas in all states except the
Northern Territory. Prefers adequate water
but can tolerate short droughts. Part to full sun.
|
|
| Cleome
viscosa | Tickweed ,
Sticky Cleome | Annual herb covered in sticky hairs. Flowers are
yellow.
The entire plant is fragrant.
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. | Occurs in tropical Australia and worldwide.
Tolerates a range of conditions.
|
|
| Clerodendrum
floribundum | Lolly
Bush , | Tall shrub to 5m with tapered oval leaves and large
heads
of long white flowers, followed by black berries above
an enlarged red calyx.
A lotion from the branches or bark was used for bodily aches.
The roots were boiled and eaten. | Native all across tropical Australia. Part to full
sun.
|
|
| Cochlospermum
fraseri | Kapok Bush ,
Cotton Tree | Deciduous tropical small tree to 6m with starlike
yellow flowers
and green avoid pods filled with cotton-like material.
The cooked roots were eaten and also the flowers (cooked or raw).
The leaves were used in a decoction to help fever. | Native to tropical northern Australia.
|
|
| Codonocarpus
cotinifolius | Desert
Poplar, | Small tree to 10m. Lime green leaves.
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. | Native to arid interior of Australia.
Prefers sandy soils, tolerates drought.
Full sun.
|
|
| Convolvulus
erubescens | Pink Bindweed ,
Native Bindweed | Small perennial creeper with green-grey hairy leaves
and pink flowers.
A boiled decoction of the entire plant was consumed to
treat stomach pains and diarrhoea. | Native to grassland areas of temperate
and subtropical Australia.
Prefers full sun and well drained soil.
|
|
| Crinum
pedunculatum | Swamp Lily,
River Lily | Herbaceous plant to 2m. Large erect succulent leaves
surround white fragrant elegant flowers growing from a
stalk in the middle of the cluster. Beautiful.
The juice of leaves was rubbed onto marine stings to reduce pain. | Found along the NSW coast up into
coastal Queensland.
Hardy, from part shade to full sun,
variety of drainage conditions.
|
|
| Crotalaria
cunninghamii | Regal Birdflower, | Small shrub to 2.5m. The leaves, flowers and branches
are hairy.
The lime-yellow flowers occur on spikes at the end of branches.
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). | Native to tropical arid and semi-arid Australia.
|
|
| Cyathea
australis | Rough Tree Fern , | 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.
The roasted stalks of young fronds were eaten as an
invigorating tonic. | Native to wetter forest areas of the eastern
states from Tasmania to SE Queensland.
Very hardy. Prefers part shade.
|
|
| Cymbopogon
bombycinus | Silky oilgrass ,
Silkgrass | Grass to 1m. The stem bases are very fragrant.
When the tops are in bloom they resemble silk, hence the name.
An infusion of the entire plant was made to help sore eyes. | Native to tropical Western Australia and the
Northern Territory. Full sun, tolerates drought.
|
|
| Cynanchum
floribundum | Native Pear , | 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.
The sap was rubbed over the body to elevate body
temperature in cool weather. | Native to tropical northern Australia.
Note: New seeds will be available shortly.
|
|
| Daviesia
latifolia | Hop bitter-pea ,
Bitter-Pea | Shrub to 2.5m. Upright with large elliptical leathery
leaves,
small yellow flowers.
The bitter-tasting leaves are infused in water to make an
invigorating tonic and to treat fever. | Native to temperate SE Australia from
Tasmania to the ranges of New South Wales.
|
|
| Dodonaea
attenuata | Narrowleaf Hopbush , | Shrub to 3m. Multi-stemmed and sometimes sticky, with
very thin leaves.
An infusion from the leaves and stems was used to rub
over the body to reduce fever. | Occurs all over mainland Australia, from
mountainous areas to open grasslands
and semi-arid places. Full sun.
|
|
| Dodonaea
lanceolata | Hopbush , | 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.
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. | Native to tropical semi-arid Australia. Full sun.
|
|
| Dodonaea
viscosa | Sticky hopbush ,
Giant Hopbush | Shrub to 3.5m. Small yellow-green flowers.
Thin medium leaves, sticky when young.
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. | Occurs in eastern Australian states, and
also in other countries around the world.
Prefers full sun, reasonably well watered.
|
|
| Duboisia
hopwoodii | Pituri , | 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.
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.
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.
| 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.
|
|
| Duboisia
myoporoides | Corkwood ,
Cork Tree | Small tree or large shrub. Small white flowers and
distinctive seeds are
similar to D. hopwoodii.
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. | Occurs across the east coast of Australia from
around Sydney up to northern Queensland.
Prefers well watered sandy soil.
|
|
| Eremophila
bignoniiflora | River Angee ,
Dogwood,
Emu Bush | 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.
The berries were boiled and the resulting decoction was drunk
as laxative. | Widespread over arid to semi-arid grasslands and
floodplains in all mainland states.
Prefers full sun. Will tolerate occasional frosts.
|
|
| Eremophila
cuneifolia | Wedge-leaved eremophila ,
Pinyuru | Small shrub to 1.5m. Leaves are wedge-shaped,
flowers are purplish.
A decoction was prepared from the leaves and drunk
to help with colds. | Native to arid Western Australia.
Prefers full sun. Drought tolerant.
|
|
| Eremophila
debilis | Winter Apple ,
Amulla | 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.
The plant was used as a treatment for venereal disease.
The fruits were eaten and have a bitter taste. | Native to coastal Northern
NSW and SE Queensland.
|
|
| Eremophila
freelingii | Limestone Fuchsia ,
Rock Fuchsia | Small shrub to 2m. Sticky thin grey-green leaves,
blue or
lilac flowers. Aromatic when crushed.
The crushed plant was infused in water and washed over
the body, and also inhaled, to treat head-colds. | Native to arid Central Australia.
Full sun, drought tolerant.
|
|
| Eremophila
longifolia | Berrigan ,
Emu-Bush,
Weeping Emu Bush | 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.
Crushed leaves were infused in water and the infusion was
drunk for colds, and rubbed over sores or body aches. | Native to arid temperate and
subtropical parts of Australia.
|
|
| Eremophila
maculata | Spotted Emu-Bush ,
Native Fuchsia | Small shrub to 2m. Glossy dark green leaves.
Tubular flowers can be pink, yellow, or a number of other colours.
Crushed leaves were inhaled to help clear the nasal passages. | Native all over inland Australia. Full sun.
Drought tolerant. Mildly frost tolerant.
|
|
| Erythrina
vespertilio | Bat's Wing Coral Tree ,
Grey Corkwood | 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.
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. | Native to open woodlands and forests
from New South Wales to the Northern
Territory. Full sun; drought resistant.
Apparently can also tolerate frosts.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
camaldulensis | River Red Gum ,
Murray Red Gum | Medium to large eucalypt to 35m. Deciduous light
bark.
The kino resin from the trunk is astringent and a water
mixture has been used to treat diarrhoea.
A leaf infusion was used to bathe the head in case of colds or fevers. | Native to all mainland states in semi-arid
or arid areas along watercourses and
low-lying flats. Full sun; drought tolerant.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
citriodora | Lemon-scented Gum , | Medium to large eucalypt to 40m, with smooth
deciduous
grey bark.
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. | Native to coastal Queensland. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
dichromophloia | Variable Barked Bloodwood , Gum-Topped Bloodwood | Medium eucalypt to 25m. Bark is red underneath.
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. | Native to grassy woodlands of tropical Western
Australia and the Northern Territory. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
dives | Broadleaf Peppermint , | Medium eucalypt to 20m. Short trunk with a spreading
canopy.
The grey bark is rough and textured.
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. | Native to SE Australia in mountainous areas.
Frost tolerant. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
drepanophylla | Bowen ironbark ,
Queensland Grey Ironbark | Medium eucalypt to 30m. Rough bark.
The bark was boiled and the decoction was used to bathe sores. | Native to eastern Queensland. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
globulus
ssp globulus | Tasmanian Blue Gum , | 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.
The tree is now cultivated worldwide for its volatile oils which
help clear the passages and treat aches and pains. | Native to Tasmania and southern Victoria.
Full sun. Tolerates frosts.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
gummifera | Red Bloodwood , | Medium to tall eucalypt to 35m. Rough, flaky,
fissured bark.
The bright red kino (gum resin from the bark) gives the common name.
The kino resin is astringent and has been used to treat sores
associated with venereal diseases. | Native to coastal areas from Victoria to
Queensland. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
haemastoma | Scribbly gum , | 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.
The kino resin has antibacterial properties and was used to treat cut
and sores, as well as being taken internally for dysentery. | Native to coastal New South Wales,
especially in sandstoney areas. |
|
| Eucalyptus
macrorhyncha ssp macrorhyncha | Red Stringybark , | Medium eucalypt to 30m. Trunk is usually straight,
but sometimes
crooked or deformed. Bark is fissured and brown.
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. | Native to temperate southeastern Australia,
sometimes in South Australia too.
Tolerates frost. Full sun.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
maculata | Spotted Gum , | Tall eucalypt to 40m. Trunk is distinctively
straight, with smooth
white-grey bark which peels in spots, hence the name.
The kino resin, when mixed with water and swallowed, is reputed
to have anti-inflammatory properties. | Native to coastal eastern Australia.
Prefers slightly sandy soil.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
microtheca | Coolibah , | Small eucalypt to 12m. Bark varies from very light to
brown, and
dull green-blue-grey pointed leaves.
The inner bark was mashed and prepared into a poultice to treat
snakebite. | Native all over northern Australia.
Reportedly hardy to -10 deg C,
but its native habitat is warm.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
papuana var
aparrerinja | Ghost Gum , | Medium eucalypt to 20m with smooth white deciduous
bark,
hence the name.
The bark was broken and an infusion was drunk to treat colds
and to bathe sore eyes. | Native to tropical Australia.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
pilularis | Blackbutt , | Tall eucalypt to 50m. The trunks are distinctively
straight.
The kino gum resin is astringent. | Ranges all across the NSW coast into
southern Queensland over a variety of soil types.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
piperita | Sydney Peppermint , | Medium eucalypt to 20m. Rough grey bark. The leaves,
when
crushed smell similar to peppermint.
The leaf oil extract has been used to treat digestive problems. | Native to the Sydney area and central
coastal NSW.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
polybractea | Blue Mallee ,
Blue-leaved Mallee | Large shrub/small mallee to 9m. Multi-stemmed with
blue-green leaves.
The leaves, when crushed, smell very strongly of eucalyptus.
The crushed leaves are an industrial source of eucalyptus oil to treat
colds, body aches, etc. | Native to semi-arid parts of eastern Australia.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
polycarpa | Long-fruited Bloodwood , | Medium eucalypt to 15m. Rough flaky bark.
The kino bark resin was eaten in case of dysentery. | Native to outback NSW, Queensland and
the Northern Territory. Full sun, drought tolerant.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
racemosa | Snappy Gum ,
Scribbly Gum,
Northern Scribbly Gum | Medium eucalypt to 25m. Like E.haemastoma,
the deciduous bark has characteristic "scribbles".
The kino resin was used in case of diarrhoea. | Native to the Sydney and central coast
area of NSW. Full sun. Adequate water.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
resinifera | Red Stringybark ,
Red Mahogany | Medium to tall eucalypt to 30m. Stringy red bark.
The inner bark was rubbed onto the skin in case of
venereal disease. | Native to coastal eastern Australia.
Prefers full sun, adequate water,
sheltered location.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
smithii | Gully Gum ,
Blackbutt Peppermint | 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.
Crushed leaves are a good source of eucalypt oil. | Native to coastal ranges of southeastern Australia.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
terminalis | Mountain Bloodwood ,
Inland Bloodwood,
Western Bloodwood | Medium to tall eucalypt with persistent light grey
bark.
The red bark kino was mixed in water and consumed
for diarrhoea and also for indigestion and chest pain. | Native sandstone ridges in semi-arid and
arid areas of NSW, Queensland, Northern
Territory and Western Australia.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
tessellaris | Moreton Bay Ash ,
Carbeen | Medium to tall eucalypt. The lower bark is cracked in
a regular fashion
while the upper bark is smooth.
A bark infusion was prepared and consumed for dysentery. | Native to northern NSW and Queensland.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
tetrodonta | Darwin Stringybark , | Medium to tall tree to 30m. The bark is rough and
persistent.
A bark infusion was prepared and consumed for diarrhoea.
A mashed leaf infusion was consumed for headache and fever. | Native across tropical northern Australia.
Full sun, does best in sandy soil.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
viminalis | Manna Gum ,
Ribbon Gum,
White Gum | Tall eucalypt to 45m. Lower bark is dark, upper bark
is light,
and sheds in ribbons.
The leaves have been used as a laxative, and were also smoked
over fire to reduce fever. | Native to temperate southeastern Australia
including Tasmania as well as mountainous
areas of southeast Queensland.
|
|
| Eucalyptus
youmanii | Youman's Stringybark , | Small eucalypt to 15m. The fibrous ruddy bark is
thick and fissured.
The leaves are a source of rutin, a bioflavonoid which acts
in conjunction with other substances to strengthen the immune system. | Native to NSW and southern Queensland,
especially in damper areas.
|
|
| Eucryphia lucida | Leatherwood , | Usually shrubby but occasionally large tree to 25m.
Leathery glossy leaves are almost white underneath,
and sticky when young. White flowers are fragrant.
The fragrant resin exuded by the plant was used as an antiseptic. | Occurs in Tasmania in rainforest locations.
Keep well watered.
|
|
| Euphorbia
drummondii | Caustic weed , | 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.
An infusion of the plant was prepared and drunk for diarrhoea,
dysentery, fever and rheumatism.
Applied topically for skin irritation.
The sap was also applied in case of venereal disease. | Occurs in all mainland states in predominantly
inland areas. Very hardy.
|
|
| Ficus
coronata | Sandpaper Fig , | 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.
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. | Native to rainforest environments near the
coast, from eastern Victoria through to
Queensland and into the Northern Territory.
Prefers moist soil, part shade.
|
|
| Flindersia
maculosa | Leopardwood ,
Leopard Tree | Small to medium tree to 15m. The bark sheds
irregularly
and thus looks spotty like a jigsaw puzzle.
The resin from the trunk has been used to treat diarrhoea. | Native to inland NSW and Queensland.
Full sun, drought tolerant.
|
|
| Geijera
parviflora | Wilga ,
Australian Willow | Small tree to 9m with profuse canopy of long thin
leaves,
making the tree resemble a willow. Tiny white flowers.
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. | Native to semi-arid and arid regions
all over the mainland. Full sun,
drought tolerant.
|
|
| Goodenia
ovata | Hop Goodenia , | Small dense shrub to 1.5m with bright green leaves and
pretty yellow flowers. Sometimes the foliage is rather sticky.
The leaves and stems were infused in water and drunk to treat
diabetes. | Widespread across eastern Australia
except in the far north. Very hardy.
|
|
| Goodenia
scaevolina | Blue Fan Flower , | Small dense shrub to 1.5m. The leaves are serrated.
The flowers are a beautiful blue.
The juice of the crushed roots was consumed to treat coughs. | Native to tropical Western Australia
and the Northern Territory.
|
|
| Goodenia
varia | Sticky Goodenia , | Clumping low shrub less than 1m. Leaves are toothed
and slightly rigid. Yellow flowers appear sporadically
throughout the year.
A leaf decoction was used as a very mild sedative. | Occurs in southern Australia from
coast to coast. Full sun, drought hardy,
likes clay soils, frost resistant.
|
|
| Grevillea
pyramidalis | Caustic Bush ,
Blister Bush,
West Pilbara Grevillea | Small tree to 10m. Blue-green leaves and bright
yellow/white
flower clusters.
The greenish inner bark was mashed in water until it turned white,
and then rubbed around women's breasts to induce lactation.
| Tropical Western Australia along the slopes
and plains. |
|
| Gyrocarpus
americanus | Gyro Damson , | Small deciduous tree with a thick trunk and smooth
bark.
The large leaves are ovoid to heart-shaped and often hairy.
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. | Tropical Western Australia and Northern
Territory. Often found in rocky places.
|
|
| Haemodorum
spicatum | Mardja , Bloodroot | Perennial stalky herb to 1m. The flowers are deep
purple,
almost black. The bulbs are red, hence the name.
The bulbs were roasted and used as a spice.
It also apparently treated dysentery. | Native to Western Australia.
|
|
| Hakea
macrocarpa | Dyaridany , | 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.
The charcoal from the burnt wood was used to open up cuts. | Tropical arid regions of Western Australia
and the Northern Territory.
|
|
| Heteropogon
contortus | Black Speargrass ,
Tanglehead Grass | Grassy clumping plant to 1m with brownish flowered
spikes.
The narrow leaves were infused in water to help coughs.
The plant was also chewed like tobacco. | Occurs worldwide including over
tropical Australia.
|
|
| Hibiscus
tiliaceus | Cotton tree ,
Yellow Hibiscus | 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.
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. | Occurs in subtropical and tropical coastal
regions of Australia, and worldwide.
|
|
| Ipomoea
pes-caprae ssp
brasiliensis | Goatsfoot convolvulus , | Trailing cover to 10m long. The flowers are pink
funnels at intervals
between the alternate ovoid leaves.
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. | Occurs over coastal areas across Australia.
Occurs worldwide also.
|
|
| Isotoma
petraea | Rock Isotome ,
Wild Tobacco | 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.
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. | Native to dry rocky slopes across interior Australia.
|
|
| Lavatera
plebeia | Australian Hollyhock ,
Flood Mallow | 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.
A poultice was made by boiling the leaves, which was
applied to skin boils. | Native to temperate inland southern Australia
and occasional in Central Australia.
Prefers full sun, good drainage.
|
|
| Leptospermum
petersonii | Lemon-Scented Tea Tree
| Generally a shrub to 4m with small, thin leaves and
small
white flowers. Smells markedly of lemon.
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. | Native to eastern NSW and southern
Queensland. Tolerates frost once established.
Moderate water, full sun.
|
|
| Lythrum
salicaria | Purple Loosestrife , | 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.
The entire plant has astringent properties and has been used
for such conditions as diarrhoea, and irregular or heavy
menstrual flow; has also used to reduce blood sugar levels. | Occurs in temperate to subtropical wetter
areas of NSW and Queensland.
This is an introduced herb and occurs
worldwide, including Europe and North America. |
| Macadamia
integrifolia | Smooth-shelled Macadamia , | 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.
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.
| 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.
|
|
| Melaleuca
alternifolia | Medicinal Tea Tree ,
Australian Tea Tree, Ti Tree | 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.
"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. | Native to northeastern NSW and southeastern
Queensland. Prefers well watered rich soil,
well drained, in full sun.
|
|
| Melaleuca
hypericifolia | Hillock Honey Myrtle , | 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.
The leaves are crushed and inhaled to treat headache. | Native to moist southeastern NSW.
Prefers a sunny position with adequate water.
|
|
| Melaleuca
linariifolia | Snow in Summer , | Small tree to 10m. The whitish flower clusters
envelope the tree
in summer, hence the name. A very showy specimen.
The leaves contain antibacterial oil similar to that of M.
alternifolia. | Native to coastal areas in eastern Australia.
Prefers moist conditions.
|
|
| Melaleuca
quinquenervia | Broad-Leaved Paperbark , | 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.
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. | Native to coastal and swampy areas
from NSW right up to northern Queensland.
Prefers plenty of water.
|
|
| Melaleuca
uncinata | Broombush ,
Broom Honey Myrtle | Small shrub to 2m. Narrow leaves, small yellow-golden
globular flower clusters.
The leaves were chewed to treat catarrh
(nose or throat inflammation). | Surprisingly for a Melaleuca, native to
semi-arid and arid areas of the eastern
states of Australia. Full sun.
|
|
| Melia azedarach var australasica | Cape Lilac ,
White Cedar | 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.
The fruit pulp was used to treat skin diseases.
All parts of the plant are bitter and purgative.
The fruit is poisonous. | Native to rainforests and moist locations
in New South Wales, Queensland and the
Northern Territory. Full sun.
|
|
| Mentha
australis | River Mint ,
Australian Mint,
Native Mint | Creeping herb with small tapered leaves, with the
flowers
blooming at leaf junctions. A much stronger mint than
normal peppermint or spearmint.
Makes an interesting mint tea, which is reputedly good
for easing the effects of colds. The crushed leaves were
sniffed to relieve headache. | Shaded areas near waterways
(usually inland) in all states.
|
|
| Morinda
citrifolia | Great Morinda ,
Cheesefruit,
Noni | 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!
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
| 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.
|
|
| Myoporum
platycarpum | Sugarwood ,
Ngural | 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 .
The sweet bark resin caused from insect wounds is a laxative. | Native to semi-arid inland areas of
southern states from Victoria to
Western Australia. Full sun, drought tolerant.
|
|
| Nauclea
orientalis | Leichhardt Tree , | Medium tree to 25m. Large dark glossy leaves. Can be
briefly
deciduous. Attractive white and yellow flowers occur in ball-like
clusters.
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. | Native to coastal northern Queensland
and the Northern Territory. Also occurs
across topical Asia. Prefers wet conditions.
|
|
| Nelumbo
nucifera | Sacred Lotus , | 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.
The petals of its spectacular flowers are astringent.
The milky sap/juice from the stalks have been used to treat diarrhoea. | Native across Asia and into coastal
tropical Australia from Western Australia
to Queensland. Obviously, needs water.
|
|
| Omalanthus
nutans | Native Bleeding Heart , Queensland Poplar | 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.
The leaves were crushed and used to stop bleeding. | Native to shady moist areas of New
South Wales and Queensland.
Part to full shade. Frost tender.
|
|
| Owenia
acidula | Emu Apple ,
Sour Plum,
Native Nectarine,
Desert Plum | Small tree. The leaves comprise many darker glossy
mini-leaves.
The fruit is reddish and succulent and very sour.
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. | Native to arid Central Australia.
Full sun, drought tolerant. |
|
| Owenia
reticulata | Desert Walnut , | Small tree to 10m. Large leaves comprise smaller
smooth
leathery mini-leaves.
The seeds were roasted and extracted, and applied to sores.
A leaf infusion was used as a poultice.
The nutty fruits were possibly eaten. | Coastal areas of tropical Western
Australia and the Northern Territory.
Sandy soil. Full sun.
|
|
| Petalostigma
pubescens | Quinine Tree ,
Bitterbark | Small tree to 7m. Small oval leaves, yellow flowers.
The small fruit is yellow to red and hairy.
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. | Native to coastal areas of tropical
northern Australia and as far down
as the coastal NE of NSW.
Grows in thickets on hill sides.
|
|
| Petalostigma
quadriloculare | Quinine Bush , | Small shrub to 1m. Yellow flowers in leaf margins.
Fruit is similar to P. pubescens.
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. | Native to coastal areas of tropical
northern Australia. Grows in rocky areas.
Generally similar distribution to P. pubescens.
|
|
| Pittosporum
phillyraeoides | Butterbush ,
Weeping Pittosporum | Small tree to 10m. Weeping slender habit. The leaves
are
dark green and the flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is bitter.
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. | Native to semi-arid and arid regions
all over the mainland. Full sun, drought tolerant.
|
|
| Pittosporum
venulosum | Brown Pittosporum , | Small tree to 10m. The flowers are fragrant.
The fruit is golden and globular.
The mashed or bruised roots were sniffed as an
aphrodisiac. | Native to rainforests in northern Queensland.
Prefers moist habitat.
|
|
| Pongamia
pinnata | Indian Beech , | 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.
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. | Occurs in tropical coastal Queensland
and Northern Territory, as well as
across tropical Asia.
|
|
| Portulaca
oleracea | Pigweed ,
Purslane | Small prostrate annual herb to 0.5m. The leaves are
succulent and the flowers are small and yellow.
A weed in many places.
The plant is a diuretic and has been used to
cleanse the blood. | This plant has been introduced to
Australia and occurs worldwide.
|
|
| Prostanthera
rotundifolia | Round-leaf Mint Bush
| Shrub to 2.5m. Small medium-green rounded leaves,
sometimes with a purplish hue, pink-purple flowers.
Wonderfully scented!
Is used along with Mentha australis to make a native mint tea.
The volatile oil of P. rotundifolia has carminative properties. | Occurs across the south-eastern
side of Australia, including many
areas of NSW and Victoria.
Likes a sheltered position with
adequate watering.
|
|
| Pteridium
esculentum | Common bracken , | Fern to 3m. Fast growing. The rhizome is long and
covered
in reddish hairs.
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. | Native to moist, shady, cooler areas of
all states including Tasmania.
Also found in New Zealand.
|
|
| Rhynchosia
minima | Rhyncho ,
Snout Bean | Prostrate or climbing herb. Groups of three leaflets
are ovate.
Yellow-reddish flowers are pendulous and small.
Plant is a source of prodelphinidin, which is an antibiotic. | Occurs in tropical Queensland and
the Northern Territory; also occurs worldwide.
|
|
| Santalum
acuminatum | Quangdong ,
Native Peach | 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.
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. | Native to semi-arid and arid regions of
mainland Australia.
Prefers full sun and sandy soils.
|
|
| Santalum
lanceolatum | Plumbush ,
Northern Sandalwood | 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.
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. | Widespread across Australia,
throughout the inland as well as in
drier coastal regions.
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| Santalum
spicatum | Fragrant Sandalwood ,
Australian Sandalwood | 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.
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. | Native to semi-arid and arid regions
of Central and Western Australia.
Full sun, drought tolerant.
Prefers sandy loam.
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| Scaevola
spinescens | Prickly Fanflower ,
Currant Bush | Small shrub to 2m. The plant is hairy and often
spiny.
The flowers are very sparse and are cream or ruddy yellow.
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. | Native to arid central Australia.
Prefers full sun, sandy soil.
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| Senna
artemisioides
ssp artemisioides | Silver Cassia ,
Feathery Cassia | 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.
The ash of this plant was mixed with Pituri into a ball
for chewing. | Native to subtropical and tropical arid
Western Australia across Central
Australia to inland tropical and
subtropical Queensland.
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| Senna
barclayana | Pepperleaf Senna ,
Ant Bush | Shrub to 2m. Compound leaves of 8 to 20 leaflets
2.5cm
long. Flowers are sparse. Formerly Cassia barclayana.
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. | Native to subtropical and tropical
eastern states, both coastal and inland areas.
Also occurs in tropical and equatorial Asia.
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| Senna
odorata | Australian
Senna , | 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.
The leaves have been used as a laxative. | Native to semi-arid NSW, Queensland
and the Northern Territory.
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| Senna
pleurocarpa var pleurocarpa | Ribfruit Senna ,
Smooth Cassia | Shrub to 3m. Compound light green leaves with 5
leaflet
pairs. Veined flowers are pale yellow in loose bunches.
Formerly Cassia pleurocarpa.
The leaves and pods are laxative. The plant is poisonous
and included for interest only. | Native to arid mainland Australia.
Full sun, drought tolerant.
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| Sesbania
sesban | Sesbania ,
Ngean-jerry | 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.
A poultice is made from the leaves, which are warmed
and mixed in castor oil and applied to skin boils. | Occurs in tropical coastal Queensland and worldwide.
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| Solanum
capsiciforme | Native pepper , | Shrub to 2m. Narrow concave leaves, with light violet
flowers about an inch in diameter.
The green fruits resemble little capsicums.
The plant is a source of solasodine, which is used to
produce steroidal hormones in the medicine industry as
contraceptives. | Native to arid areas of South Australia
and Western Australia.
Drought tolerant, full sun.
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| Solanum
aviculare | Kangaroo Apple , | Shrub to 2m. Long dark leaves on purplish stems.
The flowers are mauve or purplish.
The fruit is a pale orangish berry about 5cm in diameter.
The plant is a source of solasodine, which is used
to produce steroidal hormones in the medicine
industry as contraceptives.
The fruit is edible but not very tasty. | Occurs widely in southern states from
Western Australia across to Victoria and
also Tasmania. Prefers sheltered, moist locations.
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| Solanum
lasiophyllum | Flannel Bush ,
Grun Grun | Shrub to 2m. Leaves are green-grey and hairy,
flowers are purple with yellow stamens in the centre.
A poultice was made from the boiled roots and
applied to treat leg swellings. | Native to coastal southwestern
Western Australia. Prefers sandy soil.
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| Solanum
simile | Oondooroo , | Small shrub. Dark green leaves are narrow.
Small violet flowers.
The plant is a source of solasodine, which is used to
produce steroidal hormones in the medicine industry as
contraceptives. The fruit is edible but not very tasty. | Native to temperate arid mainland
Australia. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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|
| Solanum
symonii |
| Small shrub. Leaves are slightly concave. Flowers are
about an inch in diameter. The fruit is under and inch in
diameter, and green to white when ripe.
The plant is a source of solasodine, which is used to
produce steroidal hormones in the medicine industry
as contraceptives. The fruit is edible but not very tasty. | Native to southern temperate arid
Australia from Western Australia to
South Australia. Full sun.
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|
| Sophora
tomentosa | Sea Coast Laburnum ,
Golden Chain | Shrub to 5m. Largish ovate leaves to 20cm in length,
comprising 11 to 17 leaflets. The flowers are large
and golden in clusters. Produces pods up to 18cm in length.
The roots and seeds were used to treat liver problems.
Note that the seeds are apparently highly toxic, and the
plant is included for interest only. | Native to coastal subtropical and
tropical eastern Australia.
Prefers sandy soil.
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|
| Swainsona
pterostylis | Dampier
Pea , | Small semi-prostrate shrub. The leaves are compound.
The beautiful flowers are violet, with a sweet fragrance.
The whole plant was mashed up and a boiled poultice
was made to treat bruising and inflammation. | Native to hot semi-arid areas of northern
Western Australia and NW Northern
Territory. Full sun.
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| Tasmannia
lanceolata | Tasmanian Mountain Pepper , | Shrub to 5m. Leaves are dark green, narrow and
leathery on reddish stems. Small yellow creamy flowers.
The fruit is small, dark red or black.
The dried berries or leaves are used to make a very
peppery seasoning. The bark has been used to treat
curvy and as a stomachic. | Native to Tasmania, also found
occasionally in Victoria and
southern New South Wales.
Prefers to grow at altitude.
Moist conditions.
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| Templetonia
egena | Desert Broombush ,
Round Templetonia | Medium to tall shrub, which is leafless, in that the
leaves
are reduced to scales on the thin cylindrical branches.
The yellow-brown flowers are small and clustered
on short stalks.
The plant contains an alkaloid called sparteine,
which as a sulfate compound has been used to induce labour. | Native to the inland areas of
all mainland Australian states.
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| Thespesia
populnea | Tulip Tree ,
Portia Tree | Medium tree to 15m. Light to medium green leaves
are heart-shaped, flowers are funnel-shaped and
yellow with a purplish centre. Fruit is a hard capsule
less than 2 inches in diameter.
The juice from the unripe fruit has been used to
treat skin diseases. A bark decoction was also
used as a daily skin wash. | Occurs in along the coast in tropical
areas of Queensland and the Northern
Territory. Also occurs across Asia. |
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| Trichodesma
zeylanicum var zeylanicum | Cattle Bush ,
Northern Bluebell | Small herb to 1m. Hairy with striking blue flowers.
The plant was boiled and rubbed on sores. The plant
is reportedly diuretic. | Occurs over subtropical and tropical
arid regions of mainland Australia.
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| Ventilago
viminalis | Supplejack ,
Vine-Tree | Small tree to 6m. The bark is pale to darker brown
and scaly. Starts as a climber and as a result the mature
tree often has intertwined branches. The leaves are
bright green, the flowers are dull yellow.
The bark and roots were crushed together in water
to treat toothache and rheumatism.
The ashes of the plant were mixed with Pituri chewing tobacco
to enhance the effect. | Native to subtropical and tropical
semi-arid inland areas across
mainland central and northern
Australia. Full sun, drought tolerant.
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