Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Angophora hispida...Dwarf Apple
Angophoras were called Apples since colonial time, because of their supposed resemblance to apple trees. I'm not so sure.


Xanthorrhoea...Grass Tree, Blackboy
Xanthorrhoeaceae is almost entirely an Australian species (1 or 2 species of Lomandra in New Guinea and New Caledonia). These very slow growing Grass Trees produce long spikes at the end of a scape (not pictured). They are often one of the first group of plants to flower after wildfire. Xanthorrhoea provided food, drink, fibre as well as materials for making implements and weapons for the aborigines.

Centaurium erythraea...Centuary
This common weed (at least in my garden) is a digestive stimulant. In herbal medicine it is indicated in apetite loss (when associated with liver weakness). It is also a useful herb in conditions involving a slugggish digestion and in dyspepsia.


Dianella caerulea var. producta...Paroo Lily
I seem to remember someone once telling me that the berries were used as a plant dye.

2 comments:

Leora said...

Lovely photos. So wonderful that you can identify all these charming plants.

Judy said...

I have never seen berries this colour! They are startling at first!!
And I love all the information you provide, too.
Thanks for sharing!