Download Useful plants of Cooks River

Goolay’yari The Pelican
Kurwan
Bursaria spinosa
Sweet Bursaria, Prickly Box, Box Thorn.
This plant had ceremonial uses, including
the increase ceremony conducted by women.
It is necessary to the health of our eucalypt
woodlands and forests. Small birds and
butterflies are attracted to the Kurwan’s flowers,
mainly because it blooms when there are few
flowering plants in our bushlands.
The leaves were mashed and applied to
sunburn, and also applied to implements
and weapons to prevent the sun’s rays from
affecting the wood. It was also trimmed and
thickened into a hedge, where it was used
to deter unwanted trespassers from certain
important sites.
Gurren’durren
Melaleuca linariifolia
Snow in Summer, Snowstorm, Flax Leafed
Paperbark.
This tree featured very importantly in our daily
lives. The nectar from the prolific flowers was
gathered by washing them in water (don’t pick
them, just pull down the branches), until the water
becomes sweet to taste. The water was then given
to young children, the sick and the aged as a
refreshing and energising drink.
The outer bark was used to form water proof
coverings for shelters, the next layer in was used
as a wrap in which to cook food, such as wattle
cakes, fish and vegetables. The next, softer layer
was cut into a strip, about 40cm long and 10 cm
wide, lined with soft fluffy seeds of the Typha spp
or the native Clematis spp, upon which a baby
was placed, then the soft paperbark was placed
between the baby’s legs, and tied around its
waist with a length of string, to make disposable
napkins. The next layer in, when peeled off very
carefully, was placed over burns like a bandaid.
Small birds and butterflies are attracted to the
Kurwan’s flowers, mainly because it blooms
when there are few flowering plants in our
bushlands.
Cooks River is called the River of Goolay’yari, The Pelican Dreaming Story. It
is part of the creation story of north and west of Sydney. The Pelican was a
man who abandoned his family, thus placing them in great danger, and as
punishment, he was banned from the Land of the Beginning. As he stepped
across the river, he left his footprint, (the small island near the rail bridge
at Tempe—which once formed the shape of a Pelican footprint). When he
stepped onto the northern side of the river he became a man, Baiame,
and began to create the landscape north and west of the Land of the
Beginning. There are many stories of the great deeds that Baiame has done
in the landscape that he created, but none tell of him ever returning to the
Land of the Beginning.
Perhaps, one day, he may use the Island of the Pelican to return to his
Beginning as we all must do.
usefu
The leaves were crushed and placed in babies’
cradles to stop them from crying. They also make
a great tea to calm the nerves for adults distressed
from the baby’s cries.
This tree is great habitat for lots of animals, birds
and insects, including Common Ringtail Possums
who nest here and eat nectar from the flowers.
of the
Themeda australis
Kangaroo Grass
The leaves and twigs were used as
insulation in shelters, or to twist
into padded headbands for carrying
coolamons on top of the head.
The seeds and roots were edible, and
the stems were woven into small traps
in which to catch yabbies.
In the early colonial times one of the
explorers wrote in his diary of acres
and acres of Themeda grass harvested
and stacked in bushels. He was
reprimanded for reporting this and
thus the entry was not included in the
rewritten journal. In those days it was
necessary to classify the Australian
Aboriginal as sub-human, thereby
ensuring that Australia was indeed Terra
nullius, and able to be settled without
the necessity of a Treaty and having to
purchase the land.
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Bourounj
Eucalyptus piperita
Sydney Peppermint
This tree is one of the seven peacekeepers, a
wonderful law story about seven friends who
worked together to rid this land of evil spirits. So
that they would always be remembered, they were
turned into seven different types of Eucalypts.
The gum was used to treat wounds, burns and
scabies, whilst the bark was used for the making
of implements and weapons. The leaves had many
medicinal uses, including the treatment of morning
sickness and indigestion. The vapour from the
leaves is believed to drive away evil spirits and to
reduce anger.
This tree is home to birds, butterflies, moths,
caterpillars, native bees, beetles and possums.
Dahl’wah
Allocasuarina littoralis
Black She Oak, River She Oak
The bark was used to make small
parrying shields to catch enemy spears
without breaking the point, which allowed
them to be used against the enemy.
This tree provides food for birds; they
eat the seeds and hunt the insects that
live here.
Acacia decurrens
Black Wattle, Green Wattle, Queen Wattle.
Almost every part of this tree has a use. The flowers, seeds, gum and
white root tips were eaten. The leaves were crushed and placed in
waterholes before the kangaroos came down to drink, making them
easier to catch.
The green bark was used in the tanning of animal skins, and the old,
black bark was treated and used to treat painful skin complaints. The
inner core of the tree trunk is a haven for witchetty grubs, and the tree
itself nitrogenises the soil. When it dies the wood burns with an even
heat and does not add flavour to food which is cooked over it. The ashes
were used as a base for certain medicines, or mixed with the gum of
other Acacias and used to decorate the walls of caves and shelters.
Birds love to eat this grass seed and
also hunt the insects who live here.
This tree features in the law story about
lost children. The needles were used as
bedding for sleeping in damp places, the
cones were used to dispel nightmares in
children, and because of their distinctive
colour, form and leaf shape, they can be
seen from afar, and children were taught
to go to them if they were ever lost,
knowing that they would be safe from
any kind of monsters who may be lurking
in the woodlands.
Boo’kerrikin
The Boo’kerrikin is the subject of a great law story about three sisters
who had green eyes and golden hair, who looked so much alike that only
their mother could tell them apart, and of the men who courted them—or
tried to court them.
Birds and Common Ringtail Possums shelter and nest in this tree. The
pollen attracts native bees.
Kuritjah
Banksia spinulosa
Hair Pin Banksia
The Banksia features in a very important law story, the story of the
Wattun’goori, the Hairy People. It was usually used to scare children who
had been naughty, but quite a few adults walk through the bushland more
quietly after hearing the story. However, it is really instruction of how to
find food and how to behave during severe drought, or climate change.
The nectar of this particular Kuritja, or Little Hairy Man, was used in
medicines to treat sore throats, the wood of the shrub burns with an
intense heat, and the grub living in the trunk and branches could be eaten.
More importantly, the dew was collected before sunrise and given to young
babies who were doing poorly.
The nectar attracts birds, butterflies, moths and Common Ringtail possums.
Warrabirra
Hardenbergia violacea
False Sarsaparilla, Native
Sarsaparilla, Twining Pea.
This is a women’s plant, who cared
for it and ensured that it grew in the
proper places. The whole plant was
used to treat premenstrual tension,
and stomach cramps, but the roots and
leaves were boiled, flavoured with a
little honey, and taken as a refreshing
beverage.
It is also a very attractive plant, and
easy to grow. The bright purple flowers
were woven into a headband for
women to wear.
Caterpillars eat these leaves and
butterflies, moths and native bees feed
on the nectar from the flowers. All
these insects provide a tasty treat for
insect eating birds.
Pokulbi
Dianella caerulea
Flax Lily.
Pokulbi features in a very sad law
story about the futility of what we
would today call domestic violence.
It is also part of another, lighter law
story about how the parrots got
their colour.
Its bright blue fruit was eaten, but
also rubbed on the lips to colour
them, and make the wearer “more
attractive”. The rhizome also could
be treated and eaten, and the leaves
were used in the making of string
or weaving of small bags in which
to carry medicines.
Birds also love to eat the berries.
This poster features traditional
knowledge of the D’harawal
people, passed down through
the family of Frances Bodkin,
a Bitter Water woman of the
D’harawal People, and shared with
Marrickville Council in 2007.
Plant
Species name
Dharawhal name
Common name
Acacia decurrens
Boo-kerrikin
Sydney Green Wattle
Description
Dharawhal uses
Cultivation notes
Wildlife habitat information
Billardiera scandens
Wugay
Apple Berry
Information
A slender small climber with cream flowers in spring
followed by purple berries.
Eucalyptus globoidea
Green fruit eaten roasted and ripe fruit eaten raw and
mashed to make baby food. Seeds made into flour for
damper.
White Stringybark
Bai’yali
Prefers dappled or part shade, all soils.
A tree, 10-16m high, with bright yellow flowers in early
spring.
Flowers used in pancake mixture, seeds made into flour
for damper, roots eaten roasted, and fresh gum eaten
raw. Bark used as poison to stun fish, and an ingredient
in medicine for dysentery. Gum an ingredient in rock
art paint and waterproof sealant. Flowering used as an
indicator of when the bush needed burning.
Bursaria spinosa
Kurwan
An erect shrub 2-3m tall with masses of white flowers
in late summer.
Blackthorn
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
This plant had ceremonial uses. Leaves an ingredient
in sunscreen for both wooden implements and people’s
skin.
Full sun to part shade, all soils.
Eucalyptus
haemastoma
Scribbly Gum
Gitji
An open shrub to 5m, with grey/green foliage like
a miniature Eucalyptus tree. It has cream flowers in
winter.
Bark used as poison to stun fish, and in lotion for skin
rashes. Wood used for carving.
Callicoma serratifolia
Tjerruing
Black Wattle
Melaleuca nodosa
Gum an ingredient in ointments for sores and wounds.
Nectar an ingredient in medicine for colds and
breathing difficulties. Leaves and bark ingredients in
medicines for asthma symptoms, joint or muscle pain
and to relieve fever. Bark from young roots was eaten
roasted. Fibrous bark used as tinder and spun into
string. Burnt bark used in ceremonial scarring. Bark and
wood used for carving.
Ball Honeymyrtle
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Mai’andowri
Acacia falcata
A tree 15-30m high with stringy bark and creamy
coloured flowers in Autumn.
A large, spreading, screening shrub around 4-5m (but
occasionally to 15m). It has creamy yellow flowers in
late spring.
Branches used for weaving baskets. Wood used for
carving.
Gum an ingredient in ointments for sores and wounds.
Burnt bark used in ceremonial scarring and mixed with
a chewing tobacco Bark exudate used to plug holes
in aching teeth. Bark used for carving. Vapour from
burning leaves inhaled to ease breathing difficulties.
Leaves an ingredient in medicine for upset stomach.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Nectar an ingredient in a drink given to children. Soft
inner bark used to make nappies.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Melaleuca
quinquenervia
A tree to 12m with papery bark and creamy white
flowers.
Broad-leafed
Paperbark
Nectar an ingredient in a drink given to children. Leaves
an ingredient in medicine for headaches and colds.
Vapour from burning leaves inhaled to ease coughing.
Soft inner bark used to make nappies. Bark used to
wrap food for cooking.
A small tree to 15m with white and grey mottled bark
with scribble patterns on it. Creamy coloured flowers
autumn to spring.
Full sun to full shade, prefers sandy (or improved clay)
soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Gurren’durren
A dense shrub 4-6m high with papery bark, and cream
flowers in spring.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Melaleuca stypheliodes
Gurren’durren
A tree 6-15m high with papery bark, and white flowers
in summer.
Nectar an ingredient in a drink given to children.
Soft inner bark used to make nappies. Wood used for
building in damp places.
Prickly-leaved
Paperbark
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Eucalyptus pilularis
Acacia implexa
Wee’tjellan
Hickory
A graceful, willowy shrub 4-10m high, with pale yellow
flowers.
Fresh gum eaten raw and used as an ingredient in
toffee. Seeds made into flour for damper and roots
eaten roasted. Bark an ingredient in skin lotion and
used to tan animal hides. Leaves used in dye.
Callistemon citrinus
Boo’tjor
Crimson Bottlebrush
A bushy shrub approximately 2m high with bright red
flowers in spring.
Kai’yeroo
Blackbutt
Nectar an ingredient in a drink for young children and
old people. Vapour from burning leaves inhaled to ease
breathing difficulties.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Prefers dappled or part shade, all soils.
A tall tree 30-40m high with a black stocking of rough
bark and white smooth bark on its limbs. Creamy
coloured flowers in early summer.
Gum an ingredient in ointments for sores and wounds.
Bark used for carving. Leaves and bark ingredients in
medicines for joint or muscle pain, inflammation of
the bladder, fever, diarrhoea, toothache and bathing
ringworms, sores and ulcers. Leaves used to smoke evil
spirits out of men.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Microlaena stipoides
Weeping Grass
Full sun to full shade, all soils.
Pandorea pandorana
Wongawonga
Acacia linifolia
Boori
Flax-leafed Wattle
A graceful shrub to 2m high with cream flowers in
summer or early autumn.
Fresh gum eaten raw, seeds made into flour for damper.
Seed coats used as tinder. Leaves used as poison to
stun fish. Wood used for carving.
Callistemon linearis
An erect shrub to 2m high, with red flowers in spring.
Boo’tjor
Nectar an ingredient in a drink for young children and
old people. Vapour from burning leaves inhaled to ease
breathing difficulties. Wood used for carving.
Narrow-leaved
Bottlebrush
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Acacia longifolia
Marrai’uo
Sydney Golden Wattle
An attractive screening shrub 3-4m high, with golden
yellow flowers late winter/early spring.
Callistemon pinifolius
Boo’tjor
A bushy shrub to 2.5m high with lime green flowers in
spring.
Fresh gum eaten raw and used as an ingredient in
toffee. Seeds made into flour for damper. Seed coats
used as tinder. Gum an ingredient in ointment for
wounds and waterproof sealant. Wood used for carving.
Green Flowered
Bottlebrush
Nectar an ingredient in a drink for young children and
old people.
Boori
Myrtle Wattle
A small shrub 0.5-1m high, with red tinged foliage and
pale yellow flowers in winter.
Carpobrotus
glaucescens
A robust ground cover with succulent leaves and pinky
purple flowers for most of the year.
Pig Face
Fruit eaten. Juice from leaves applied to midge bites,
marine stings, and burns. Steamed leaves taken as a
purgative.
Nectar and leaves used in ceremonial beverage. Fresh
gum eaten raw and seeds made into flour for damper.
Seed coats used as tinder.
Wombat Berry
Pelargonium indorum
Wild Geranium
A climber to several metres long with purplish white
flowers in spring, followed by orange berries.
Pittosporum
revolutum
A shrub 1-3m tall with fragrant yellow flowers in spring
followed by striking red sticky seeds.
Rough-fruit
Pittosporum
This plant used in rituals.
Platysace lanceolata
A bushy shrub around 1m high with aromatic foliage
and white flowers in summer.
Prefers dappled or part shade and sandy (or improved
clay) soils.
Part or dappled shade to full shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Native Parsnip
Full sun to dappled or part shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
A creeping groundcover with pale pink flowers in
spring and summer.
Tubers eaten cooked in a damper.
Swamp She-oak
Full sun to full shade, all soils.
A graceful tree to 20m, with needle-like leaves and
round cones.
Pomaderris intermedia
Leaves used as bedding. Wood used for cooking fires
and carving. Bark used to make canoes.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Glycine clandestina
Love Creeper
Full sun to dappled or part shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
A delicate looking climber with mauve flowers in
spring.
Prefers dappled or part shade, all soils.
Centella asiatica
Swamp Pennywort
Pratia purpurescens
A creeping ground cover to around 15cm high with
bright green leaves.
White Root
An open shrub around 2m high with bright yellow
flowers in spring.
Hakea sericea
Bingawingul
A dense, prickly shrub, 2-3m high, with cream flowers
in winter.
Seeds made into flour for damper. Seed coats used as
tinder. Gum an ingredient in waterproof sealant. Wood
used for carving.
Bushy Needlebush
Leaves used to cure warts.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Commelina cyanea
Scurvy Weed
A creeping groundcover with blue flowers in the
warmer months of the year.
Leaves eaten cooked.
Syncarpia
glommulifera
A tall tree, often up to 40m high with olive green
foliage and creamy coloured flowers in spring.
Dappled or part shade to full shade, all soils.
Turpentine
Gum an ingredient in ointment for sores and ulcers.
Wood used to make coolamons for carrying ceremonial
fire and flat fire carrying canoes.
Warra’birra
Gitji
Sweet-scented Wattle
A leggy, open shrub with blue/green foliage and cream
flowers in winter.
Seeds made into flour for damper. Seed coats used
as tinder. Gum an ingredient in ointment for wounds,
waterproof sealant and rock art paint. Wood used for
carving.
False Sarsaparilla
Corymbia gummifera
Red Bloodwood
A tree of variable height (2 - 30m) with rough bark and
creamy coloured flowers in late summer. Full sun to
part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or improved clay)
soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
A spiky shrub to 1.5m high with yellow and reddish
brown flowers in spring.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils. Drought
tolerant.
Prickly Moses
Encouraged to grow near special sites to deter
trespassers.
Dahl’wah
Leaves used as bedding. Children would wait for their
parents under these trees when lost. Cones used by
children to dispel nightmares. Bark used to make
shields.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Tristaniopsis laurina
Imperata cylindrica
A large leaved erect grass to 1m tall with white feathery
seed heads.
Watergum
A small tree to 10m with pale bark and yellow flowers
in summer.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
This tree has mythological values. Leaves used in a
poultice for wounds.
Had ritual uses.
Dianella caerulea
Pokulbi
A strappy leaved, spreading plant around 50cm high,
with blue flowers in spring followed by blue berries.
This plant has mythological values. Fruit eaten raw and
rhizome eaten roasted.
Viminaria juncea
Indigofera australis
Native Indigo
An umbrella shaped shrub around 1.5m, with grey/
green foliage and pink flowers in spring.
Golden Spray
A shrub to 3m with broom-like foliage and yellow
flowers in late winter.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Whole plant an ingredient in medicine for fevers and
blue dye.
Full sun to full shade, all soils.
Dianella longifolia
Pokulbi
A strappy leaved, tussock-like plant around 50cm high,
with blue flowers in spring and summer followed by
blue berries.
Fruit eaten raw and rhizome eaten roasted.
Full sun to full shade, all soils.
Large screening shrub, 3-6m, with needle-like leaves.
A climber with stems to around 2m long and yellow
flowers in spring and summer.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Blue Flax Lily
Allocasuarina littoralis
A soft tussocky grass, with a 1m tall purplish brown
seed head.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
A prickly shrub around 1.5m high, with cream flowers
autumn and winter.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils. Drought
tolerant.
Black She-oak
Twining Guinea Flower
Blady Grass
Full sun to full shade, prefers sandy (or improved clay)
soils.
Gitji
Themeda australis
Vapour from burning leaves inhaled to ease breathing
difficulties. Leaves and twigs an ingredient in a general
tonic.
Blue Flax Lily
Acacia ulicifolia
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Hibbertia dentata
An open shrub to 1.5m with bright yellow flowers late
summer and winter.
Seeds made into flour for damper and fresh gum eaten
raw and an ingredient in toffee. Dew gathered from the
leaves was taken to relieve depression and grief. Edible
grubs found in branches. Seed coats used as tinder.
Gum an ingredient in ointment for wounds, waterproof
sealant and rock art paint. Wood used for carving.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Leaves stems and roots ingredients in medicine for
stomach cramps. Roots and leaves were boiled to make
a drink.
Seeds an ingredient in a damper. Stems and leaves used
for bedding and thatching shelters.
Davesia ulicifolia
Sunshine wattle
An vigorous climber with rich purple flowers in early
spring.
Kangaroo Grass
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Acacia terminalis
Prefers dappled or part shade, all soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Hardenbergia violacea
Acacia suaveolens
A spreading groundcover to 15cm high with white,
honey scented flowers in spring and summer.
Roots an ingredient in medicine for snakebite.
Dappled or part shade to full shade, all soils.
Straight Wattle
A bushy shrub to 3m high with masses of pale yellow
flowers in spring.
Roots eaten roasted.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Gitji
Ground cover around 30cm high, with pink flowers in
summer.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Tubers eaten raw. Stems used to weave yabby traps.
Northern Cranesbill
Seeds made into flour for damper. Seed coats used as
tinder.
Acacia stricta
This shrub has mythological values. Branches
straightened in hot ashes to make spear shafts.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Geranium homeanum
Dahl’wah
Gitji
Gum an ingredient in ointments for sores and wounds.
Bark used for carving. Leaves and bark ingredients in
medicines for joint or muscle pain, inflammation of
the bladder, fever, diarrhoea, toothache and bathing
ringworms, sores and ulcers. Leaves used to smoke evil
spirits out of men.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils. Drought tolerant.
Casuarina glauca
A large screening shrub to 3m with pale yellow flowers
in summer.
Sydney Peppermint
Eustrephus latifolius
Prefers dappled shade and sandy (or improved clay)
soils.
Acacia obtusifolia
Kai’yeroo
A vigorous climber with large bunches of white flowers
with maroon markings in spring.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
A graceful tree around 15m high, with rough grey bark
at trunk level and white smooth bark above. Creamy
coloured flowers in early summer.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Acacia myrtifolia
Wonga Wonga Vine
Eucalyptus piperita
A fine, bright green grass around 25cm high with
weeping seed heads.
Dichelachne crinita
Longhair Plume Grass
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
A spreading groundcover to around 15cm high with
purple and white flowers for most of the year.
Juncus usitatus
Graceful rush to 1m.
Flowers eaten raw.
Common Rush
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Prefers dappled or part shade and sandy (or improved
clay) soils.
Leaves used for bedding. Stems used for weaving.
Seeds eaten cooked.
A graceful erect grass to 1m high, with a cream
coloured fluffy seed head.
Stems and leaves used for bedding and thatching
shelters.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils. Drought
tolerant.
Viola hederacea
Wahlenbergia gracilis
Kennedia rubicunda
Dusky Coral Pea
A robust twiner with stems several metres long and red
flowers in spring and summer.
Native Bluebell
A soft, fine leaved plant around 30cm high with blue
flowers year round.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Leaves an ingredient in medicine for people recovering
from illness.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Xanthosia pilosa
Angophora costata
Kajimbourra
Sydney Red Gum
A tree to around 25m with beautiful pinky orange bark
and cream flowers in spring/summer.
Native bee honey found in this tree. Roots provide
water in dry times. Bark exudes an ingredient in
diarrhoea medicine. Wood used for carving.
Dillwynia retorta
Heathy Parrot Pea
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils. Drought tolerant.
Woolly Xanthosia
A fine leaved shrub to 1m high, with yellow and reddish
brown flowers in spring.
Vapour from burning leaves inhaled to ease breathing
difficulties.
Kunzea ambigua
Burr’gahn
A dense, spreading shrub, around 3m high, with white,
honey scented flowers in late spring.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Tick Bush
Nectar an ingredient in a drink given to children.
Prefers dappled or part shade and sandy (or improved
clay) soils. Drought tolerant.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
Zieria pilosa
Austrodanthonia
longifolia
An erect clumping grass around 40cm high with cream
coloured feathery seed heads.
Wallaby Grass
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Banksia integrifolia
Kuritja
Coastal Banksia
Dodonaea triquetra
Common Hop Bush
A semi-prostrate shrub under 30cm, with grey/green
hairy leaves and greenish white flowers in spring and
summer.
A soft leaved shrub to 2m high, with lime green paper
lantern-like fruits in spring and summer. Full sun to full
shade, all soils.
Leptospermum
polygalifolium
A graceful shrub to about 4m high with white flowers
in late spring.
Leaves chewed as a narcotic to relieve toothache, an
ingredient in medicines for fevers and stingray wounds.
Roots an ingredient in medicine applied to open
wounds. Seeds an ingredient in ceremonial drink.
Boo’ngu
Lemon-scented Teatree
Leaves an ingredient in a drink. Nectar an ingredient
in medicine for children with breathing difficulties and
coughs.
A sprawling shrub to 1m with aromatic foliage and tiny
pale pink flowers in spring.
Leaves used as pillows for people with breathing
difficulties.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, sandy (or improved
clay) soils.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
A tree 6-16m high with a silvery underside to its leaves
and greenish yellow flowers in autumn and winter.
Flowers containing nectar eaten raw. Dew gathered
from this plant given to unsettled babies. Cones used
to make torches. Wood used for carving.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
provides nectar for birds.
A shrub with papery bark, aromatic foliage and white
flowers in spring.
Echinopogon
caespitosus
A small grass to around 50cm with a bristly round seed
head. Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
Leptospermum
trinervium
Hedgehog Grass
Stems and leaves used for bedding and thatching
shelters.
Gurren’durren
Leaves an ingredient in a drink.
Paperbark Tea-tree
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
provides fleshy fruit for birds.
provides seed for birds.
attracts prey insects for birds.
provides shelter and nesting sites or nesting materials for birds.
Banksia serrata
Wattun’goori
Old Man Banksia
A tree to 8m with gnarled bark and grey-green flowers
in summer.
Einadia hastata
Saltbush
This plant has mythological values. Flowers containing
nectar, eaten raw. Dew gathered from this plant given
to unsettled babies. Edible grubs found in this tree.
Wood was used for carving.
Ground covering shrub to 0.5m with red berries
summer and autumn.
Lomandra longifolia
Mat Rush
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
A tussock-like plant with strappy leaves to 1m in
height.
Flowers and leaf bases eaten raw. Leaves used for
weaving and to make string.
Fruit eaten and used in dye for body decoration. Whole
plant an ingredient in a general tonic.
Full sun to full shade, all soils.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Terri’yergro
Wattun’goori
Hair-pin Banksia
A rounded shrub to 2m, with yellow-orange flowers in
winter.
This plant has mythological values. Flowers containing
nectar, eaten raw. Dew gathered from this plant given
to unsettled babies. Edible grubs found in this tree.
Nectar an ingredient in medicine for sore throats.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, all soils.
provides nectar, pollen or nest sites for native bees (not European
Honeybees).
attracts native insects often for pollination (bees, flies, wasps, gnats,
ants, beetles).
Eucalyptus botryoides
Banksia spinulosa
provides food plants for the larvae (caterpillars) of native butterflies
and/or moths or a nectar source for adult butterflies.
Bangalay
A tree 20-30m high with rough reddish bark and a
spreading canopy. Creamy coloured flowers in late
summer.
Gum an ingredient in ointments for sores and wounds.
Nectar an ingredient in medicine for colds and
breathing difficulties. Leaves and bark ingredients in
medicines for asthma symptoms, joint or muscle pain
and diarrhoea. Bark used for carving. Roots used as a
portable water source.
Full sun to part or dappled shade, prefers sandy (or
improved clay) soils.
Melaleuca linariifolia
Gurren’durren
Snow in Summer
Small tree to 8m, with papery bark and white flowers in
summer.
Nectar an ingredient in a drink given to children. Soft
inner bark used to make nappies.
Full sun to dappled or part shade, all soils.
provides food or habitat plants for adult or juvenile beetles.
provides nectar and pollen for Grey-headed Flying Foxes.
provides nectar, shelter or nesting sites for Common Ringtail
Possum.
provides food, shelter, nesting sites, and/or travel routes for both
large (Common Ringtail and Common Brushtail) and small (sugar
glider) possums.
Produced by Marrickville Council in 2007 with assistance from the Australian Government’s Envirofund
References Ondinea D, (1997) Wildlife Habitat Plants of Marrickville
Robinson L, (1991) Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney
D’harawal cultural information supplied by Frances Bodkin
Design and illustration Virginia Bear- Little Gecko Bushland Interpretation
Photography Melaleuca linariifolia: J Plaza,©Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Dianella Flowers:
L.L. Lee ©Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Others: Virginia Bear
Thankyou to Marrickville Aboriginal Consulatative Committee for their advice in the design and
development of this poster
provides shelter (when grown in thick clumps) for Long-nosed
Bandicoots.
Koala and Wombat = once upon a time.
provides shelter for skinks.