herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

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.

herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

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, Mount Field National Park Tasmania, image H Miles
Indigenous Plants for Health Association, Inc. Health-promoting plants

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.

herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Tetragonia tetragonoides – Information Sheet

Known as Warrigal greens and New Zealand spinach among other names, T. tetragonoides is a low growing, straggling herb whose bright green leaves are edible. It is a well-known coastal plant in Eastern Australia, but it also inhabits inland sites, and the distribution spreads into Asia as far north as Japan. Warrigal greens are quite nutritious, being high in iron and other minerals. The leaves also contain, oxalates, hence it is widely recommended they not be eaten raw. While there is little evidence T. tetragonoides was a significant edible or medicinal plant within Aboriginal communities, it does have a history of medicinal use in Japan and Korea. The plant is easy to propagate and grow, however it may need to be contained to prevent spreading.