GOLDEN WATTLE

Cultural + Environmental Significance
A symbol of resilience and renewal. Blossoms after fire. Honoured in dance, ochre, and story.
 

Nutritional Benefits
Wattle seeds were ground into flour. They contain high in protein and fibre.
 

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Some species used for antiseptic washes, gums chewed for cold relief.
 

Garden & Ecological Benefits
Fixes nitrogen in soil, feeds bees, and bursts golden with new life in spring.

NATIVE BASIL

​Cultural + Environmental Significance

Native Basil has been traditionally used by Aboriginal communities for spiritual cleansing and ceremonial smudging, with its strong scent helping to ward off bad spirits and mosquitoes.

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Nutritional Benefits

The aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavour foods, offering a rich source of antioxidants and essential oils.

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Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging) Traditionally brewed as a tea to treat coughs, colds, and stomach issues.

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Garden & Ecological Benefits

This hardy, fast-growing herb attracts bees and beneficial insects, making it an excellent companion plant in native gardens.

Pepperberry

Cultural + Environmental Significance

Pepperberry has been used by Aboriginal communities both as a spice and for ceremonial purposes due to its strong flavour and antibacterial properties.

Nutritional Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamin E, folate, and zinc, the berries and leaves offer a spicy kick in cooking.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Traditionally used to treat colds, stomach ailments, and skin conditions; modern studies show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Garden & Ecological Benefits
This hardy shrub attracts native birds and thrives in cooler climates, making it a beautiful and functional addition to temperate gardens.

Vanilla choc Lilly

Cultural + Environmental Significance
Aboriginal people highly valued the edible tubers of the Chocolate Lily, which were harvested seasonally and shared in community meals.

Nutritional Benefits
The tubers are a rich carbohydrate source and can be eaten raw or roasted, with a sweet, nutty flavour.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Used traditionally as a gentle food for the unwell or young; current studies are exploring its prebiotic properties.

Garden & Ecological Benefits
These beautiful, scented lilies attract pollinators and add vibrant colour to native garden beds while stabilising soil.

Lemon aspen

Cultural + Environmental Significance

Aboriginal Australians used Lemon Myrtle as bush medicine and a powerful flavouring agent in cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

Its leaves contain the highest natural source of citral, a compound with strong lemon flavour and antioxidant properties.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)

Traditionally brewed for sore throats, infections, and colds; modern science confirms its antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant potential.

Garden & Ecological Benefits

This aromatic shrub thrives in subtropical gardens and attracts pollinators, making it ideal for culinary and healing gardens.

Sea Purslane

Cultural + Environmental Significance
Sea purslane was used by coastal Aboriginal communities as a seasonal food and skin-soothing plant. It thrives in salty, harsh environments, helping protect fragile dune and saltmarsh ecosystems.

Nutritional Benefits
Exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, it’s a powerhouse leafy green.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Traditionally used for soothing inflammation and treating digestive issues; emerging studies show antioxidant and neuroprotective potential.

Garden & Ecological Benefits
This drought-resistant groundcover prevents soil erosion, improves soil structure, and grows prolifically in poor soils.

native biola (native violet)

Cultural + Environmental Significance
Native Violet was used in Aboriginal communities for both aesthetic and medicinal purposes in bush gardens and shelters.

Nutritional Benefits
Edible flowers and leaves can be added to salads, offering small amounts of vitamin C and soothing qualities.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Used topically to reduce skin inflammation and irritation; today it is recognised for its mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Garden & Ecological Benefits

A stunning groundcover, it provides moisture retention and shelter for insects while thriving in shaded native gardens.

Native ginger

Cultural + Environmental Significance
Native Ginger has been used by Aboriginal people as both bush food and bush medicine, and its vibrant blue fruits signal seasonal change.

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Nutritional Benefits
The roots and berries are edible, with the rhizomes offering a mild ginger flavour and the fruit rich in antioxidants.

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Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Traditionally used for digestive issues and to settle nausea; modern interest explores its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential.

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Garden & Ecological Benefits
Thrives in shaded, moist areas and attracts birds and insects, making it a lush and low-maintenance addition to native gardens.

saltbush 

Cultural + Environmental Significance
Saltbush has long been a staple in Aboriginal diets and was often used in cooking or as animal fodder in arid environments.

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Nutritional Benefits
Its leaves are high in protein, minerals, and antioxidants, and can be used as a salt substitute or in baked dishes.

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Medicinal Uses (Traditional & Emerging)
Traditionally used to aid hydration and electrolyte balance; modern research highlights its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory potential.

Garden & Ecological Benefits
Salt-tolerant and drought-hardy, it stabilises soil, reduces erosion, and supports land restoration in dry, degraded areas.