Kaurna Name

Scientific &
Common Name

Kaurna Use

Plant Description

Cultivation

Propagation

Karkalla
Multyo
Multyoo
Maltyo
Ungge

 

Carpobrotus rossii
Inland Pig-Face
Inland Noon Flower
Angular Pigface
 S.A.,
 Vic. Tas. W.A.

 

The juicy fruit were eaten raw in summer or dried.
The dried fruit was made into cakes.
The leaves were sometimes eaten, either raw for salt, chewed for moisture or baked to eat with meat.

 

Perennial
Prostrate creeping plant up to 3m spread
Flowers August-January
Fruits in summer (Nov- Feb )

 

Carpobrotus modestus usually occurs inland.
Carpobrotus rossii
Coastal species, usually found on sands.
Grows in a wide range of well drained soils.
Full or partial sun.
Tolerates dappled shade as well as frost and drought.
 

Propagate from seeds, cuttings
 or division of layered stems.











 

Pitpauwe (the honeysuckle tree)
Tarnma
Kundanye (water sweetened by blossom)

 

Banksia marginata
Native Honeysuckle
Silver Banksia
S.A.
N.S.W.,A.C.T.,Vic.,Tas.,

 

The blossoms were sucked for the sweet nectar or were soaked in water to give a sweet drink.
The dry cones were used as a strainer.
Spring/summer

 

Variable. Large shrub to small tree.
1-10m by 0.5-5m.
Dense form makes good screen.
Dwarf form available.
Flowers Summer / Autumn

 

Grows in a great variety of habitats and soil types.
Needs good drainage.
Tolerates some shade.
Suitable coastal and inland.
Tolerant of frost and salt.
 

Seed.










 

Minno (tree and its gum)
Meenoo

 

Acacia pycnantha
Australian Golden Wattle
 S.A.
 N.S.W., Vic.,

 

(1) The balls of gum produced from the trunks were eaten raw in summer (Minno).
(2) The bean like seed pods were roasted (crushed) and eaten.
Summer.

 

Medium shrub to small tree.
3-10m by 2-6m
Fast growth rate.
Used as ornamental, windbreak, and for erosion control.
 Early settlers used bark for tanning and “houses”.
Winter / Spring flowering.

 

Widely cultivated.
Adapts to well drained soils.
Will grow in dappled shade, partial or full sun..
Mature plants have frost and drought tolerance.
Withstands moderate coastal exposure.
Easily grown.
 

Propagate from seed.














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Mantiri
Mantirri

 

Kunzea pomifera
Muntries
Eastern S.A.
Western Vic.

 

Small purplish fruit in clusters of 2 to 8.
The small purple fruit were eaten raw.
Made into cakes.
Summer

 

Perennial/annual?
Prostrate. Dwarf spreading ground cover.
Size 0.3 to 2-5m.
Flower heads 1.0-1.5 cm across -often profuse and conspicuous. Sweet scented.

 

Adapts to a wide range of soil and climate.
Good drainage essential.
Full sun.
Frost hardy in conditions of normal rainfall.
Grows inland and on coast. Important stabilising plant of sandy soils. Recommended for exposed coastal sites.
Plant at 1.5 -2m. centres
Tolerates extended dry periods and very high temperatures.
.

Propagate from seeds or cuttings of firm young growth. Often self layering -use rooted stems.

















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Karkomarngo-( female cone of she oak)

 

Allocasuarina verticillata
Syn. Casuarina stricta
Drooping she-oak.
Mountain Oak.
S.A.
N.S.W., A.C.T., Vic., Tas.,

 

The young cones and stems were chewed to relieve thirst.
Young cones cooked and eaten.
Fruiting in summer.
Cones retained all year.
Has religious significance.
Medicinal uses.
 

Rounded tree to 10m- often less. Spread of 5m.
Branchlets long and pendulous.

 

Very attractive foliage and fruit
Hardy most soils and aspects.
Stands exposure to salt spray. Ideal for frontline coastal plantings.

 

Propagate from seed.

 

Birira (cabbage substitute)


 

Tetragonia. tetragonioides
New Zealand spinach
Warrigal cabbage or Warragul cabbage
All Aust.,

 

The leaves*  were steamed to give a winter food.
Fruit sometimes eaten but can be unpalatable.
*[N.B. “Esteemed as a very good dish by Europeans but despised by natives.”
(Maiden 1889, 1899)
T. emerge and/or T. expanse apparently cultivated in Europe and USA since the 1820’s as spinach.
CARE-NEEDED.
Oxalic acid content high.
Nitrates can be present, but not toxic.]
 

Perennial herb.
[ Annual. (some habitats)]
 Semi-prostrate shrub.
Ground cover.
Succulent trailing plant with small yellow flowers
Plant at 1m. centres to ensure dense cover.
 

 

Coastal plant also inland salt
habitats.
A hardy plant for sandy banks.
Suitable for areas of low maintenance.
Resistant to salt spray.

 

From cuttings.



























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Tetragonia implexicoma
Bower Spinach.
Coastal S.A.,
Coastal Vic., Tas.,

 

Leaf
Fruit.
Fruit sometimes unpalatable.

 

Shrub.
Scrambler,( climber over other plants in dense masses)
 

Coastal
Locally abundant

 

From cuttings.

 

Santalum acuminatum
Native Peach
Quandong
Sweet Quandong
Lower rainfall areas S.A.
Vic. N.S.W. N.T. W.A.

 

Reddish fruits about the size of a small plum. Large oily kernel.
These summer fruits were eaten raw.
Fruits can be dried, roasted and eaten when green.
Seeds also eaten.
Seed oil used as medicine.
Wood used for :
fire making, medicine liniment, a container and magic.
 Fruit spring / summer.
 

Is adaptable to most dry, well drained soils in an open sunny position.
Hardy inland, preferring arid conditions.
Drought and frost resistant.
 

 

An evergreen shrub to 3m by 2m wide.
The flowers are white and small.
The fruits are red berries, 3cm across.

 

Propagation is by seed.





















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Tilti
Teelte (tree)

 

Exocarpus cupressiformis
Native Cherry
Cherry Ballart
Qld.;N.S.W.;Vic.;Tas.;S.A.

 

Small “fruit” (succulent stalk, orange to red, greenish fruit on top).
Edible section is fruit stalk which develops a fleshy succulent appearance.
The fruit on top surrounds a single oily seed [ which may not have been eaten].

 

Upright spreading shrub to small tree.
4-8m by 3-6m.
Dark green stem-like leaf. Flowers sporadic over whole year.
“Fruit” available in Summer.
Foliage may be poisonous to stock.
Very attractive with potential for wider usage;
eg. wood is highly regarded for chair and cabinet making.

 

Occurs in a variety of habitats and soils over temperate areas of Eastern and Southern Australia.
Different species take exposed coastal, mountain side, and semi arid conditions.

 

Difficult to propagate although natural regeneration can occur by suckering or from seed germination.
Best chance of propagation is from seed.
Trees and shrubs are parasitic upon the roots of other plants.
Responds well to pruning and some root damage by a fork may encourage suckering.
Can be propagated by cuttings but has a low success rate.
 

Umba, Yungumba.
?Kandara, ?Walyo
Wailyo
Waldies

 

Microseris lanceolata
Asteraceae
Yam-daisy or Native Yam. Murrnong
S.A.;N.S.W.;Vic.;Tas.; W.A.;
Distribution is throughout temperate Australia.

 

Root tuber.
[ ?leaf.]
This species has small roots that were cooked.
Can be eaten raw.
Available Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter although less palatable in Winter.

 

Perennial herb.
Slender radical leaves.
 Bright yellow flower heads 3cm in diameter held on stems 20-40cm.
Not unlike a large dandelion.
Size and form of tuber varies with age and site.


 

Grows in a range of soils but needs a free draining position.
Sunny or semi shaded aspect.
Adapts well to cultivation and is suitable for general planting but also does well in rockeries and containers.
Frost hardy.
Highly susceptible to cinnamon fungus.
Once very common but populations decimated by grazing.
 

Propagate from seed or division of tubers.




















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Solanum spp
Solanaceae
S.A.-All areas.(various spp.)
Tas., Vic., N.S.W., Qld., N.T.., W.A.

 

Fruit (berry, many seeds).
Seeds eaten with fruit.
ONLY eaten when COMPLETELY ripe.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS as often toxic when unripe.
In some species, toxicity may persist even when ripe.

 

94 species are native to Aust.
Most require dry situations and full sun.
INCLUDED BECAUSE several species may have significant commercial value as a source of raw materials for the manufacture of contraceptives.
Many species have stems and/or leaves covered with sharp spines.
 

 

S. simile- Shrub. Purplish/Green berry.
Very hardy plant in most soils and aspects.
Suitable as hedge or screen plant.
S. esuriale- Confused with S. simile in some descriptions of Aboriginal foods.
Has Yellow berry.
S. sturtianum-Well drained sunny position.
Moderately hardy.
Frost resistant.
 

Propagate easily from seed or cuttings.

 

Kurru, Pinyatta -honey
Yutuke,-sweet sap.
Yakko,-gum (not edible)
Kayamunto,- grasstree end of spear.
Pinyatta,-honey of grass tree and Banksia flower.

 

Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata
X. semiplana
Xanthorrhoeaceae (liliaceae)-Mono-
Grass Tree
Yacca
Blackboys
S.A.- All areas
X. quadrangulata-Adelaide Hills
X. semiplana-Adelaide Plains.
 N.S.W., Vic., ACT., Tas.,

 

The young leaves were eaten raw.
 The flowering stamens produced a sweet nectar.
The young flower spike yields an edible “honey or gum”.
 Tuberous roots of young plants are palatable and soft.
Gouged nutty - tasting starch from tops of trunks.
Various parts used in other ways.- medicine, implements, adhesives, firemaking, rafts (with reeds.)
 

“Tree”, does not properly apply.
Slow growing ancient plant.
 Dense grass like foliage.
Long spike covered in minute white flowers,-sporadic.
Spectacular focal point.
30cm-2m. by 60cm- 1m.wide.

 

Needs well drained position.
 Sun or shade
Growth is slow, taking many years before trunks are formed.

 

Propagate from seeds.























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Astroloma humifusum Epacridaceae
Native Cranberry.
Cranberry Heath
S.A.; W.A.; Vic.; Act.; Tas. ; N.S.W.
 A. conostephioides
Flame Heath

 

The small grape sized fruit, was eaten raw in spring. and early summer.
(Oct. to Dec.)
A. conostephioides
As for A. humifusum and as well, the nectar was sucked from flowers of this plant.

 

About 20 species. All prostrate or low shrubs..  A. humifusum.
A prostrate or upright dwarf shrub
30cm high. by 60cm-1m wide.
Bears bright red tubular flowers, Winter Spring, often concealed by neat and mildly prickly small bluish green leaves.
Very attractive to nectar eating birds.
A.conostephioides.
Compact dwarf shrub, pointed grey foliage, pendent scarlet tubular flowers winter-spring-summer.
30-60cm high by 60cm wide.

 

Species found to grow in a wide variety of conditions, from coastal, inland in low rainfall areas to mountainous regions.
Generally undershrubs and in cultivation need some shade.
Once established generally hardy.
Need good drainage. Fungal attacks reduced by raising garden beds.
Can be grown in containers.
Need some protection and prefer to be grown with other plants. Ideal under-story plant.
Grow dappled shade, partial to full sun.
A.conostephioides.
Well drained soil in full to filtered sun.
Frost tolerant.
Bird attracting.
 

A. humifusum.
Very difficult to propagate.
Roots are extremely fine so great care needs be taken when transplanting (repotting).
A conostephioides
From cuttings.




























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Minnokorra
Warnpa, Wornpa

 

Typha spp.
Typhaceae Mono-
Typha domingensis
T orientalis
Bulrush
Cumbungi
Cooper’s Reed
Loddon or Murray Down.
Found all Aust. States.

 

The floury roots (rhizomes) were staples. (steamed or roasted.)
Outer cortex stripped, twisted into knot, chewed for food.
Tough fibre left was twisted into twine- used for a variety of objects.
Young leaf tips eaten raw.
 

Perennial herb.
The two native species are difficult to distinguish.
T. orientalis is generally larger.
Rush like leaves.
Spear-like flower spikes.
Grows to 2m.
Vigorous.
(Can become a weed.)

 

Freshwater, aquatic.
Survives drying.
Found along rivers.

 

Division.














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Karra
Korra, Korra.ra
Batta
Kangulya

 

Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River Red Gum
Myrtaceae
All areas SA.
Vic. N.S.W. Qld. N.T. W.A.

 

Seed. Flower. Sap. Gum.
Seeds ground for food.
Flowers soaked in water for drink.
Sap for food.
[Sap rolled in balls and sucked.(Flinders Ranges.)]
Leaves used on wounds. Leaves bear the scales of psyllid insect. These scales were eaten and are a source of sugar.
Wood/bark has numerous uses.
Animals/birds caught.
Shelter.
Gum used for burns and diarrhoea.

Religious significance.
 

Very large tree.
Spreading habit.
15-50 high by 15-35m. wide.
Probably most widespread species of Eucalyptus in Aust.
Quick growing.
Known to drop branches and so care should be taken with placement.
Bird and animal attracting.


 

Fresh water flood plains and channels.
Riverlines and creeklines.
Tolerates S.A. arid to semi arid climate zones.
Most soil types within climate zone.
Full to filtered sun.
Frost hardy.

 

Easily propagated by seed.

 

Probably not used by Kaurna

 

Hakea leucoptera
Proteaceae
Needle Bush
Silver Needlewood
Needlewood
Water Tree
Kulua
S.A.
Vic., N.S.W., Qld., N.T., W.A.

Roots dug up, cut into pieces, water drained from them. Often fire used to heat one end first.

 

Medium to large spreading or upright shrub.
2-5m high by 2-3m wide.
Clusters of white flowers in summer.
Attracts nectar feeding birds.

 

Prefers warm temperate, arid to semi arid climate.
Moist well drained to dry soil.
Tolerates dry limey soil.
Full sun
Frost hardy.

Seed.









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Enchylaena tomentosa
Chenopodiaceae
Ruby Saltbush
Barrier Saltbush
All mainland states in coastal to semi arid areas.

 

Fruit and seed eaten raw -(all year.)
Fruit soaked in water to make a drink.

 

Low shrub rarely more than 50cm tall.
Spread to 1m.
Grey, hairy stems. Succulent leaves.
Bears red or yellow berry-like fruit. Usually red when ripe, although can be yellow(rarely). Fruits blacken when mature.
Good foliage contrast.
Low forms may be used as ground cover.
 

Wide range of soils.
Full sun preferred.
Resistant to salt spray
Frost hardy.

 

Cuttings or seed.
Seed often spread by birds.

 

Wodni
Karrambi

 

Nitraria billardierei
Native Plum
Fleshy-leaved Nitre Bush
Dillon Bush
Wild Grape
All areas SA.
 Vic. N.S.W. NT.

 

Bush bears much fruit which ripens all at once. (Jan./ Feb.)
Can taste like grapes dunked in salt water.(variable quality)
 

Forms impenetrable clumps up to 3m. high and 15m wide.
In Summer sprout bright red fruits 1-2cm long.

 

Grows on suburban Adelaide beaches.
Habitat is inland salt and coastal regions.

 

Seed.
Cuttings.







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Marrngatoo-C. Gymnocaulos (Ngarrindjeri, oral tradition.)

 

*Cyperus vaginatus
*Cyperus gymnocaulos
Spiny Flat-sedge
Flat Sedge.
Stiff-leaf Rush
(*Species very similar and therefore lumped together.)

 

Stem.
Fibre used for baskets and mats.
Fishing nets.

 

Perennial herb.
Habitat is freshwater edge, sandy ground.
Grows all areas SA and all mainland states.
May die back annually - but still stands and can be found all year.
 

Needs at least seasonally wet soil.

 

Rhizomes/Division

 

Used words for grass.


 

Themedia triandra
T. Australis
Common Kangaroo Grass
All states and SE Asia.

 

Leaf and stem used for string.
Made baskets and nets.

 

Perennial herb.
Grass to 50cm.
Bunched flower heads

 

Low maintenance ground cover for urban areas.
Useful rockery subject.
Summer growing.
Frost hardy.
 

Division of clumps.
Seed. (must store seed for 6-11 months to overcome dormancy.)


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Narnu
Narnu Yakko
Muarro

 

Callitris presissii
Cypress-pine
Murray Pine
S.A..
Qld. N.S.W. Vic WA

 

Resin from stem and cones.
Resin attached to a short stick for children to suck when teething.
Resin as adhesive to bind sinews \ grips on small implements
Wood for  woomeras, canoe poles, firemaking.
 

Large shrub to small tree. 3-7m high by 2-4m wide.
Grey green foliage.
Decorative seed capsules.
Attracts seed eating birds.


 

Will accept very dry conditions.
Full sun.
Often more open and less formal than other species.
Frost hardy.

 

From seed.

 

Mingka
Mengka

Acacia longifolia var. Sophorae
Coastal Wattle
Tas. Vic. NSW. Qld.

 

Seed for food.
Dry seed ground for food, mixed with fruit and eaten as cakes.
Possibly also eaten green (like green peas)
 

Shrub, tree.
To 3m high (though often less) by 4m across.
Flowers Spring.

 

Low maintenance.
Frost hardy.
Resists salt spray.

 

Seed (scarified)






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Clematis microphylla
Small-leaved Clematis
Old Man’s Beard
All areas SA
Tas. Vic. NSW. Qld. WA.

 

Roots used as food.
Stem and leaf used as medicine.
Whole plant hung on Wurley as a sign that harm was intended.
Stem base used as haft for stone axe.
Fibre from roots woven into headbands.
Available all year.
 

Vigorous climber.
Shrub.
Creamy white flowers in profusion in Spring followed by attractive feathery fruits.

 

Full sun.
Stands very dry conditions.
Frost hardy.

 

Cuttings.

 

Billardiera spp.
Apple Berry.
All areas SA.
Tas. Vic. NSW. Qld. WA.
Local variety probably B. cymosa.

 

Raw fruit (berry) used for food.
Still edible when sun-dried like sultanas.
Available summer.

Shrub- creeping or twining.
Flowers white to pink or mauve Spring- Summer.
Flowers for long period>

 

Hardy most soils.
Prefers a little shade although will stand considerable exposure to sun and wind..
 

Seed.






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Tainmunda
Tainmonda

 

Amyema spp.
Mistletoe
All Areas SA.
Vic. NSW. Qld. NT. WA.

 

Fruit used as food.
Leaf used as medicine.
Available all year.
 

Shrub- parasitic on trees.
Fruit is very sticky, almost like chewing gum.

 

Found on Eucalyptus species.

 

So far impossible to cultivate.

 

Kennedia prostrata.
Running Postman.
Scarlet Runner.
Tas. Vic. NSW.

 

Food- Flower nectar used in drinks.
Fibre from stem used as a tie.
 

Small shrub.
Prostrate.
Scarlet flowers spring and early summer.

Well drained position preferred.

 

Scarified seed.



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Lepidosperma gladiatum.
Coast Sword-sedge.
Sword Rush.
Tas. Vic. NSW. WA.

 

Leaf and tender stem base sections for  food.
Stem base for medicine.
Leaf fibre for baskets and mats.
 

Perennial rush.
Sword-like leaves over 1m high.
Brown heads of flowers appear at top of stem Summer /Autumn.

 

Coastal. Front line dune.
Useful for damp areas.

 

Transplant.
Seed.

 

Nardoo.

 

Marsilea spp.
Nardoo.
All areas SA. and Australia..

 

Spores in hard spore case roasted, ground then winnowed to remove hard case.
Cases are about the size of a pea. Collected in dry seasons of the year.
Caution. Hairs on outside of hard case are very sharp.
 

Prostrate perennial herb.
A Herb.

 

Fresh water, seasonal swamps and clay pans. Looks best when treated as a true aquatic.
Plant in shallow water.
May be used in a tropical or cold water aquarium.
Fairly easily grown in wet spots.
 

Division of floating stems.













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Mentha australis.
River Mint.
Tas. Vic. NSW. Qld. NT.
M. Satureoides.
Native Pennyroyal
SA.
 

Leaf used for flavouring and for medicine.

 

Perennial herb.

 

Freshwater edge.

 

Rubus parvifolius.
Small-leaved Raspberry Bramble.
Tas. Vic. NSW. Qld.

 

Fruit was eaten raw.
Young leaf used as medicine.

 

Shrub.
Climber or scrambler.
Fruits in Spring to Summer.
 

Very hardy.

 

Cuttings.



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Drosera whittakeri.
Scented Sundew.
Vic.

Red dye from tuber used for colouring string and shields.

 

Perennial herb.
Small rosetted plant with green or reddish leaves.
Bears large white flowers to 3cm diameter on short stems in spring.
Has insect catching hairs on leaves.
 

Occur normally in wet places.
Best grown in pots stood in a saucer of water.
Position in moderately high light.

 

Transplant.

 

Appendix.
Plants not necessarily grown by Kaurna but readily available SA natives and used by aborigines.
 

Koortee
Mandroo Mulja
WA:NGK

 

Pittosporum phylliraeoides
Native Apricot
Weeping Pittosporum
Native Willow
Poisonberry.

 

Religious significance.

 

Tree to 8m. Pendulous branches.
Flowers creamy yellow Spring Summer.
Fruits are attractive but “inedible”.

 

Sunny well drained position.
Prefers drier climate.
Good street tree.

 

Seed.







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