Field Day Report - Somersby NSW, April 2025; The Planting Weekend, Woodford; Yarning garden project update; Chocolate lilies; Euphorbia hirta in Art and Story; Vacancies
Acacia spp Part 1 – Information Sheet
Acacia is a genus of over 1,000 species native to Australia. For the profiles four species have been selected on the basis of their health-promoting properties and suitability for agroecological systems. Part 1 covers the descriptions and distribution, nutritional status and phytochemistry of the four selected species, with special focus on the nutrient profile of A. victoriae and the polyphenols and tannins in A. mearnsii, A. decurrens and A. implexa.
Acacia spp Part 2 – Information Sheet
The broad range of uses of the four Acacia species are reviewed, including the production of wattle seed for food and beverages, and the role of Australian Acacia bark in the tanning industry, notably in South Africa. Medicinal research findings include positive antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticancer effects. Australian wattles are often cultivated in plantations, mainly in Africa and Asia, whereas they are mostly wild harvested in Australia for timber and other applications. Being nitrogen fixers they are very useful for agroforestry, however some species are liable to become invasive outside of their natural habitats, especially when cultivated outside of Australia.
Spring 2024 Newsletter – Issue #25
September newsletter highlights, including resources on The Heliozelid Moth and Boronia Flower; and how bunya and black bean tress were "waled" across country
Microseris walteri – Information Sheet
Murnong is a dandelion-like plant with a fleshy tuber, that was previously widespread across the plains and grassy box woodlands of the southern states, most notably Victoria. It has an edible tuber, which was once a highly significant First Nations dietary item, a tradition that is being revived in some circles. Murnong tubers are rich in inulin, a form of carbohydrate that protects humans from elevated blood sugar and diabetes, and which may assist in weight management. The plant is easy to propagate and cultivate, especially in the southern states.
Pittosporum angustifolium – Information Sheet
P. angustifolium is a small tree with widespread distribution, mainly inland from the Great Dividing Range. It is a highly regarded medicinal plant among First Nation communities, noted for its’ anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer actions. The leaves are rich in flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins and essential oils. The tree is suitable for planting in drier locations, it attracts both birds and bees, while the leaves are suitable as cattle fodder.
Autumn 2024 Newsletter – Issue #24
Dodonaea viscosa; Planting Bushfoods at Woodfordia;; Martindale Field Day, April 2024 ;Profile of indigenous business CHOCOLATE ON PURPOSE
Podocarpus elatus – Information Sheet
P. elatus is a tall conifer that inhabits pockets of dry rainforest between the Illawarra region of the NSW coast and North Queensland. Fruiting cones on female trees produce fleshy scales or pseudo fruit, being somewhat plum-like and quite edible. Sometimes referred to as Illawarra plums, they are very popular for making jams and preserves and have high antioxidant value. The antioxidant effects are due to the presence of anthocyanidins, chemicals responsible for the purple colour. and other polyphenols. The species is currently being evaluated as having a role in cancer treatment. P. elatus is also useful as a timber tree, and for selective planting in urban environments.
Sterculia quadrifida – Information Sheet
S. quadrifida is a medium-size tree that inhabits rain forests and vine thickets, from the mid-north coast of NSW to Cape York and into SE Asia. The tree produces spectacular red follicles that split open to reveal shiny black seeds. The seeds have a taste somewhat like peanuts, hence the name ‘peanut tree’. Apart from producing edible seeds, the trees have medicinal value. The leaves and bark are used in both traditional Australian Aboriginal and Indonesian medicine for a range of disorders including marine stings and hepatitis; it is currently being investigated for breast cancer treatment. S. quadrifida is a very good shade tree and suitable for planting on farms and in urban settings provided there is no exposure to severe frost.
Tasmannia lanceolata – Information Sheet
Tasmannia species are small trees with glossy, aromatic leaves, found in the cool mountainous regions of south-eastern Australia. The genus is significant since it contains some of the most pungent or hot tasting species found in the native flora. P. lanceolata has become a popular “bush food” item due to its spicy flavour. It has much potential as an antimicrobial and antifungal medicine; the compound polygodial having been proven to be a potent inhibitor of Candida albicans and other pathogenic organisms. A close relative - Drimys winteri - from South America - is the source of Winter’s bark, once used as a specific against scurvy on long ocean voyages. Mountain pepper is a multi-purpose plant, and suitable for cultivation in cooler, high-rainfall areas.
Indigenous Plants for Health, Inc. 