Camp Coutts

Bush Food and Medicine Trail

Guide notes

Compiled by Ann Stafford

October 2016
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

Introduction
The idea behind this trail is to help you gain a very broad understanding of how the Aboriginal people
lived their traditional lifestyle before white colonisation. The Aboriginal people who lived in this area
were the Dharawal-speaking people.

Instead of looking around you and just seeing bush, it is hoped you will gain an understanding that to the
Aboriginal people the bush was a supermarket, a pharmacy and a hardware store. Some of their
knowledge was gained by observing which plants the animals visited and finding out if the food the
animals were eating was safe for humans to eat. They also relied on knowledge that was passed down to
them from their ancestors, often this knowledge formed part of their dreamtime stories.

This guide identifies just some of the plants they would have used for either food or medicinal uses. We
have focussed on the plants that are endemic (naturally occurring) in this local area. We don’t have a full
understanding of exactly how the aboriginal people lived; a lot of their traditional knowledge has been
obscured over time. There was an amount of information recorded on the Dharawal traditional lifestyle
in the early years of colonisation. Some written records were made at the time and you will come across
references to some of these early records in these trail notes.

Along with using plants for food they would have hunted animals, fished in the rivers and oceans, they
also collected shellfish. The Aboriginal people had a seasonal round; they travelled to different areas at
different times of the year. They knew which foods would be plentiful and at what time of the year and
they moved to those different areas to take advantage of this seasonal change. They knew by the change
in seasons when the whales were migrating up and down the coast. A whale becoming beached on the
shore would have heralded an amazing feast for many different tribes to take part in. The gathering of
different clans for such a feast would have provided an opportunity for many ceremonies to take place.

A note of caution
Please do not eat any of the plants unless you are certain it is safe. Treat all plants with caution.

The notes on the plants on this trail include some notes of warning marked with a note  Caution. It is
usally only one part of the plant that was used for food or medicine. Many of the plants are only safe to
consume if the leaves or seeds were processed by roasting, steaming, soaking or pounding. Take care to
follow the advice under the  Caution notation.

Many of the plants only bear fruit, berries, flowers or seeds at certain times of the year, it is unlikely you
experience all of the foods in a single visit, we suggest you visit the trail often and at different times of
throughout the year. Also, please understand that some methods of collecting food, for example digging
up tubers, may cause damage to that plant.

Camp Coutts sits within the Heathcote National Park. You are not permitted to collect any plants within a
national park. We ask you to use some common sense here, if you can collect nectar from the flower of a
plant on the trail without damaging the plant that is perfectly fine. Likewise if the fruits and berries are
available please help yourselves but we ask you to leave enough for others coming after you. The
Aboriginal people always took only what they needed and never completely depleted the supply of
anything. They understood that a sustainable food source must always be allowed to replenish itself over
time. They always left some of the plant or crop for future needs and for others coming after them.

Some plants are protected by law, this includes the Warartah and the Grass Tree, it is illegal to damage
these plants in any way, including picking the flowers. The Waratah flowers you buy at a flower shop
have been grown by specialist growers under licence.
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

1
Common name: Gymea Lily, or Giant Lily
Dharawal name: kymea buruwan 1a
Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa
Location at Coutts: Widespread throughout Coutts

Food:
⋅ The stems are harvested when about 500mm high, these are roasted. 1b
⋅ The roots are also dug up and roasted and made into a sort of cake, which was eaten cold. 1b
⋅ The dense cluster of flowers is comprised of many single flowers. Each flower contains a deep pool
of clear sweet nectar.1c
⋅ Flowers June to September. 1c
Other uses:
⋅ The leaves are long and fibrous and suitable for matting, etc. 1b
⋅
The flower stem was used as a pole for fishing and for the erection of temporary shelters. It was
harvested green then put through fire to make the resin set, the stem has to be turning constantly in
the fire. You could also leave it to cure in the sun for a month but firing speeds up the process.
When it went into water it wouldn’t sink. 1d

Images

References:
1a: Page 11 – ‘A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names’, by Les Bursill.
1b: Page 119 - ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
1c: Page 226 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
1d: Page 90 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
1e: Image (flower head): https://australianseed.com/shop/item/doryanthes-excelsa-
1f: Image (whole plant): www.buyselltrees.com
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Waratah
Dharawal name: Mooloone 2a
Botanical name: Telopea speciosissima
Location at Coutts: Outside the Activities Hall

Food:
⋅ The Aboriginal people collected the nectar from the flowers to make a sweet drink.2a
⋅ Flowers generally between September and October but can flower at other times of the year.
Other uses:
⋅ This plant has great spiritual significance to most Aboriginal people, usually it is not touched. A
spiritual drink was made only during ceremonies. This plant has a variety of Dreamtime stories
connected with it. The flower of this plant indicates that ceremony time is near. 2b
⋅ Waratahs are protected and no part of the plant should be picked or collected.
Cultural:
⋅ The Burragorang people in the southern Blue Mountains told a story of the origin of the Waratah:
Krubi, an Aboriginal maiden, waited on a sandstone ridge for the return of her lover from battle. She
was dressed in the red skin of the rock wallaby, ornamented with the red crests of the Gang-gang
cockatoo. When he failed to return she willed herself to die and passed away into the sandstone
ridge. The Waratah grew in her place.2c
Images

Note: These plants are a protected species.

References:
2a: Page 216 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987
2b: Page 100 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
2c: Page 343 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991. This story is an abridged version originally in
‘Australian Legends’ by C.W. Peck 1925
2d: Image (flower head): http://www.ausemade.com.au/photos/fauna-flora/flora/wild-flowers/waratah-
australia.htmspeciosissima/images/waratah-0210215652.jpg
2e: Image (plant): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Telopea_speciosissima_5.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Blue Flax Lily
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Dianella caerulea
Location at Coutts: Common in the garden beds around the central camp buildings
Food:
⋅ The fruit, blue berries, can be eaten raw when ripe. 3c
⋅ Berries ripen in late spring, early summer, can be eaten green but are better tasting when purple.
⋅ The roots are edible. 3d
⋅ The roots of some of these lilies can be eaten after pounding and roasting. 3e

Medicine:
⋅ The fruit was used to treat those suffering from sea ulcers. The juice was placed on top of the ulcers
as an antiseptic. 3a
⋅ The flower petals can be used as an ingredient in medicines. 3c

Other uses:
⋅ Aboriginal people used the tough leaves to weave dillies and baskets. 3b
⋅ Blue dye was extracted from berries. 3e
Images

References:
3a: Page 38 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
3b: Page 113 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
3c: Page 47 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
3d: Page 220 – ‘Bush Food, Aboriginal food and herbal medicine’ by Jennifer Isaacs, 1988.
3e: Page 20 – ‘Murni Dhungang’ by Terry Rankmore.
3f: Image (plant): https://theplanthub.com.au/productimages/Dianella-Little-Jess.jpg
3g: Image (flower): http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=147
3h: Image (fruit): http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/_dbase_upl/img_6192dian.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Lomandra longifolia
Location at Coutts: Common along the pathway from the carpark. Widespread throughout Coutts.
Food:
⋅ The raw leaf bases provide a refreshing snack. Tufts of the leaves are pulled and the white inner bases
are chewed. These taste like fresh green peas. 4b
⋅ The flowers are strongly and sweetly scented and were eaten by the Aboriginal people. In taste they
resemble fresh green peas with the addition of the flower fragrance. 4c
⋅ The small seeds can be crushed and mixed with other plant ingredients to make a whole meal (flour)
which was used to make damper. 4d
⋅ Flowers from September – November.

Medicine:
4a
⋅ The roots of the Mat Rush were crushed to relieve the pain of bites from hairy grubs and ants.
⋅ The strappy leaves were wrapped tightly around the injured limb to relive the pain. 4a

Other uses:
⋅ The tough leaves were used to weave dillies and baskets. 4b
⋅ String for everyday use was made from this most common plant. 4d

Images

References:
4a: Page 26 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
4b: Page 118 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
4c: Page 187 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987
4d: Page 52 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.4e:
4e: Image (plant): www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au
4f: Image (flowers): www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2007/lomandra-longifolia-a-2167-600.jpg
4g: Image (seed head): https://gardencad.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/dscn0648.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Banksia
Dharawal name: Baabir 5a
Botanical name: Banksia spp.
Location at Coutts: Banksia ericifolia (pictured right) is widespread around Camp Coutts, as is Banksia
serrata (pictured left) Banksia marginata is also widespread (not pictured, recognisable by its small
flowers and seed cones).
Food:
⋅ The Aboriginal people went out early in the morning, while the dew was on the trees, the men and
women would take a wooden bowl and go amongst the banksia trees when they were in bloom. They
would place their bowl under the blooms and shake the branch which deposited the honey from the
flowers into the bowl. When they had collected enough honey they would add water to form a
pleasant beverage. 5a
⋅ Aboriginal people would suck the liquid from the flowers on the tree or shake out nectar against their
hands. 5b
⋅ The blossoms of banksias (Banksia species) sometimes overflow with nectar dripping on the leaves
below. 5c
⋅ Flowers: Banksia serrata December to March, ericifolia April to August, marginata February to June.
Other uses: The fading flower heads of Banksia serrata make great hairbrushes.
Images

References:
5a: Page 55 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
5b: Page 104 – ‘Grow your own bush foods’ by Keith and Irene Smith, 2013.
5c: Page 170 – ‘Bush Tucker Australias Wild Food Harvest’ by Tim Low, 1989.
5d: Image (left): (flower head - Banksia serrata) – Ann Stafford
5e: Image (right): (flower head - Banksia ericifolia) www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Grevillea
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Grevillea spp.
Location at Coutts: Grey spider flower Grevillea buxifolia (pictured below left) is endemic to the area and
is widespread around Camp Coutts, these are not rich in nectar. Grevillea Longifolia (pictured below
centre) is endemic to the area just to the west of Camp Coutts around the Dharawal National Park. If you
haven’t visited the Dharawal National Park you are missing out on one of Sydney’s great gems.
Note: The grevillea which are naturally occurring around Camp Coutts are less abundant in nectar than
some other species. We have planted some hybrid species to provide examples of nectar rich flowers.
Food:
⋅ Grevilleas are generally rich in nectar which was eagerly sought by the Aboriginal people.6a
⋅ Sugary foods are scarce in the bush, and Aboriginal people placed a high premium on the sweet
fragrant nectars of native flowers. Especially popular were banksias and grevilleas. The nectars were
sucked as a treat.6b
⋅ Flowering time: Varies
Images:

References:
6a: Page 214 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987
6b: Page 170-171 – ‘Bush Tucker Australias Wild Food Harvest’ by Tim Low, 1989
6c: Image (flower): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grevillea_buxifolia (Grevillea buxifolia-grey spider flower)
6d: Image (flower): www.anbg.gov.au/images/photo_cd/818532321816/089_2.jpg (Grevillea longifolia)
6e: Image (flower): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Grevillea_banksii_superb_flower.jpg (hybrid spp.)
6f: Image (flower): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Grevillea_Honey_Gem_ECU.jpg
6g: Image (flower): https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6200/6058828276_7a60fbfb37_b.jpg (Grevillea speciosa-red spider flower)
6h: Image (flower): http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/thumbnail.php?image=2006/08/11/Ryzadome/
9a208c.jpg&widht=700&height=312 (Grevillea sericea-pink spider flower)
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Common name: Mountain Devil, Red Devil
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Lambertia formosa
Location at Coutts: Widespread around the Coutts area.

Food:
⋅ Aboriginal people loved to suck the nectar from the base of the flowers or soak the flowers in water to
make a sweet drink.7a
⋅ Plants that rely on the wind to pollinate tend to have small dull-looking flowers and produce no nectar.
Plants like the Lambertia rely on animals to pollinate their flowers and they tend to have larger, more
colourful flowers that are usually rich in nectar to attract birds and mammals such as bats and
possums.
⋅ Originally named Protea necturina for the amount of nectar the flower base contains.7b
⋅ Flowers much of the year but especially from September to May.
⋅  Caution - Take care, the leaf tips are needle-like and very sharp.

Other uses:
⋅ The red flowers indicate to Aboriginal people this is a good place to catch reptiles such as bearded
dragons which are hunting for insects around this plant. 7c

Images

References:
7a: Page 13 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
7b: Page 99 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
7c: Page 96 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
7d: Image (plant): http://www.wildtechnursery.com.au/files/cache/58b5782069ddeb18d5fd1086971e8e70_f1656.jpg
7e: Image (flower and seed pods): http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-
NIbcPUxQR4w/T8iQpKLcjCI/AAAAAAAAiDw/0YEbEK3VTNw/s1600/%2528flora1.jpg
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Common name: Bracken fern
8a
Dharawal name: Gurgi (bracken fern root)
Botanical name: Pteridium esculentum
Location at Coutts: Common along the pathway from the carpark and along the creek line.

Food:
⋅ The roasted rhizomes (creeping root stalks) were an important staple foods, eaten in huge quantities
when fish was scarce. 8b
⋅ Fronds of many ferns are edible in early stages. They need to be picked while still in the fiddle-head or
crozier stage (i.e. while the stalk is still curled at the apex and before the side leaves have unfolded,
the croziers may be eaten raw. 8c
⋅  Caution - Eating too much can cause cancer (it is carcinogenic). 8a

Medicine:
⋅ The juice from the young fronds was crushed and applied to the area of the itch made by an insect or
tick. 8a
⋅ The young shoots were crushed and had multiple uses including cooling a wound, reducing fever. 8a
⋅ A tea was made from the roots to ease stomach aches, cramps, diarrhea, colds and expel worms. 8a
⋅ The root was used as an antiseptic and a tonic. 8a
⋅  Caution - Eating too much can cause cancer (it is carcinogenic). 8a

Images

References:
8a: Page 32 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
8b: Page 115 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
8c: Page 152 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987.
8d: Page 11 – ‘A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names’, by Les Bursill.
8e: Image (crozier): http://www.apstas.com/bracken1.jpg
8f: Image (leaf): http://www.apstas.com/bracken2.jpg
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Common name: Pine-leafed Geebung
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Persoonia pinifolia
Location at Coutts: Widespread throughout Coutts.
Food:
⋅ The flesh from around the seed is eaten as food. The fruit when ripe has a purplish colour and drops
from the tree when ripe. 9a
⋅ The hard fruit seed is slightly roasted then cracked and the nut inside is eaten. 9a
⋅ Flowers: Generally from March to May but can flower at other times.
⋅  Caution - Avoid eating the skin of the fruit. 9a
Medicine:
⋅ Unripe fruit seed is applied to burns, scratches and rashes. 9a

Other uses:
⋅ The ripe fruit season for this plant indicates that small marsupials such as possums and wallabies can
be caught feeding near this plant. 9a
⋅ The fruits are also used for dye for reeds to make dilly bags and baskets. 9a

Images

References:
9a: Page 98 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
9b: Image: Pine leafed geebung (plant) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-
FP_nLzrSjpk/VSHrg_GNpgI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Uv9f5c66ptc/s1600/IMG_9866%2By.JPG
9c: Image Pine-leafed geebung (fruit): http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/93634772.jpg
9d: Image Pine-leafed geebung (flower): http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7398/12182264104_785880f447.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Broad-leafed geebung
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Persoonia levis
Location at Coutts:
Widespread, usually singular plants.
The large rich green leaves often look out of place amongst the dull sclerophyll vegetation.10b

Food:
⋅ The flesh from around the seed is eaten as food. The fruit when ripe has a purplish colour and drops
from the tree when ripe. 10a
⋅ The sweet pulp can be nibbled as a snack, although it is fibrous, sticks fast to the large stone, and
tastes like sweet cotton wool.10c
⋅ Fruits have a high Vitamin C content.10d
⋅ Flowers from September to November.
⋅  Caution - Avoid eating the skin and the seed. 10a
Medicine:
⋅ The papery bark of the broad-leafed geebung was placed onto cuts to stem any bleeding and promote
healing. 10e

Images

References:
10a: Page 98 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
10b: Page 101 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991
10c: Page 134 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
10d: Page 38 – ‘Grow your own bush foods’ by Keith and Irene Smith 2013.
10e: Information gathered during a ranger-led bushwalk. Diedre Martin, National Parks Discovery ranger.
10f: Image (broad-leafed geebung bark): http://nativeplants-sydney.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/per_23.html
10g: Image (flower): http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/plants/prot/persoonia-levis.jpg
10h: Image (fruit): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Persoonia_levis_fruit_2.jpg
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Common name: Sydney Golden Wattle
Dharawal name: wadananguli (wattle) 11a
Botanical name: Acacia longifolia
Location at Coutts: Widespread around central camp area
Food:
⋅ The gum which oozes from the trunks of many wattles was eaten by the Aboriginal people. Only the
pale gums can be eaten, the darker gums are too astringent. The gum is said to be like candy. 11c
⋅ The Aboriginal people steamed the seeds and ate them; they taste rather like green peas. The pods
are irritant and inedible. 11c
⋅ Flowers: Generally from July to November.
 Caution: Not all wattle seeds are edible; there are a few species which are toxic. The seeds that are
edible require careful preparation. Pods must be picked, dried and opened to obtain the seeds which
in turn must be dried, cleaned and then steamed or roasted. You can buy prepared wattle seed in
packets. The fairly high price reflects the processes which have taken place. 11d
Medicine:
⋅ Crushed leaves were used to make a tea which acted as a sedative. This was given to a woman to
relieve the pain of labour contractions. 11b
 Caution: The leaves contain saponins which dissolve red blood cells and must not come in contact
with broken skin. 11b
Other uses:
⋅ The leaves were used as a fish poison. The wood was used to make tools. 11e
Image

References:
11a: Page 11 – A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names, complied, edited by Les Bursill, 2014.
11b: Page 46 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
11c: Page 41 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.11d:
11d: Page 96 – ‘Grow your own bush foods’ by Keith and Irene Smith 2013
11e: Page 83 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
11f: Image (flowers): www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au
11g: Image (seed pods): http://invasoras.pt/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/acacia_longifolia-50small16por9.jpg
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Common name: Sticky Hop Bush
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Dodonaea viscosa
Location at Coutts:
Dodonaea triquetra (Common hop bush) are common around Coutts. Dodonaea viscosa has been planted
above the Cub Hut beside the grassy flat. Both varieties have the same medicinal properties.
 Caution: Dodonaea triquetra (Common Hop Bush) is toxic do not eat any part of this plant. 12a
Food:
⋅ The Common hop bush was used by the early European settlers, the similarity of the fruit to that of
Humulus lupulus, the hop, and the bitterness of the leaves, suggested it is a hop substitute and it was
successfully used for beer making. The fruit was even used to raise yeast for bread-making in inland
NSW. 12b
Medicine:
⋅ The leaves of the Sticky hop bush were collected and crushed into a paste which was used to treat
insect stings, open wounds, toothache, skin rashes and fever.12c
 Caution: The leaves are slightly cyanogenic (cyanide). 12c
⋅ This was an important medicinal plant amongst the Aboriginal people. The leaves were chewed for
toothache, used as a poultice for stonefish and stingray wounds, and soaked in water and used as a
sponge to relieve fever. A liquid made from soaking the roots was used for open cuts and sores.12b
Images

References:
12a: http://en.hortipedia.com/wiki/Dodonaea_triquetra
12b: Page 211 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
12c: Page 98 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
12c: Image (Dodonaea viscosa leaves): http://www.plantinspirations.com.au/plants.php
12d: Image centre (Dodonaea viscosa plant): http://www.plantinspirations.com.au/plants.php
12e: Image top right (Dodonaea triquetra male flower):
http://www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au/Images/Flowering/Flowers/Dodonaea_triquetra_10.jpg
12f: Image bottom right (Dodonaea triquetra female flower):
http://commons.hortipedia.com/images/d/dd/Dodonaea_triquetra_PDB.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

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Common name: Midyim Berry or Midgen Berry
Aboriginal name: Midyim13a
Botanical name: Austromyrtus dulcis
Location at Coutts: We have introduced plantings of this shrub up the back of the main Coutts area, on
the flat, near the chapel. This plant does not normally grow in the Sydney area, it is endemic to northern
NSW. The fruits are so delicious we thought it would really add to the bush food trail. The fruit appears
for a short time in late summer.

Food:
⋅ Midyim is one of Australia’s tastiest wild fruits, with a soft, sweet, slightly aromatic pulp that melts in
the mouth.13b
⋅ James Bakehouse, a Quaker who travelled extensively in Australian a religious mission in 1831-1838,
came across this plant on the sand hills of Moreton Island near Brisbane and was impressed by the
quality of the fruit. He wrote in his journal: ‘These are the most agreeable native fruit I have tasted in
Australia; they are produced so abundantly as to afford an important article of food to the Aboriginal
people. 13c

Images

References:
13a: Page 54 – ‘Grow your own bush foods’ by Keith and Irene Smith 2013
13b: Page 35 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
13c: Page 14 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987
13d: Image (plant): http://cdn.1millionwomen.com.au/media/large_image/m5.jpg
13e: Image (flower): https://soulsongart.com/2008/11/24/midyim-austromyrtus-dulcis/
13f: Image (fruit): http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6234229693_4bc42b3c59.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

14
Common name: Native Grape, Kangaroo Vine or Water Vine
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Cissus spp.
Location at Coutts: Cayratia clematidea can be found along the edges of the carpark and alongside the
driveway past the main gate. Cissus antartica has been planted below the lookout above the pool
causeway (refer to the bush food trail map).
Food:
⋅ Fruits ripen mainly in late summer and into autumn. 14a
⋅ The ripe, sour fruits are picked and mixed with water and nectar. The old fruits which fall to the
ground later become slightly sweeter, these are gathered as food. 14b
⋅ Ripe fruits are black in colour.
⋅  Caution: The berries are edible but can cause throat irritations. Avoid consumption, particularly if
you suffer from asthma or any other respiratory condition. 14a
Medicine:
⋅ The unripe fruit is used for stomach complaints. 14b
Other uses:
⋅ The ripe fruit season of this plant indicates bandicoot, ground feeding birds, black snake and swamp
wallaby can be caught in the area feeding. 14b
⋅ The stems have possibly been used for climbing trees. 14b
Images

References:
14a: Page 62 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
14b: Page 71 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
14c: Image top left (Cissus antartica leaves): http://gardendrum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Cissus-antarctica
14d: Image bottom left (Cissus antartica fruit):
http://northernbeachesherbarium.com.au/gallery/v/Seeds_and_fruits/Cissus+antarctica/Cissus+antarctica+_3_.JPG.html
14e: Image right (Cayratia clematidea): https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4034/4299339026_f5d7e9a7c2_b.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

15
Common name: Tea Tree
Dharawal name: Dtheerah15d
Botanical name: Leptospermum spp.
Location at Coutts: Widespread
Food:
⋅ The small white flowers can be eaten as a food ingredient. 15b
⋅ Flowers: Generally from November to December but can flower at other times.
Medicine:
⋅ A medicine is made from the seed capsules and leaves when crushed. This is used as an antiseptic
body wash for stings, cuts, rashes and burns. 15b
⋅ This plant is also used as an inhalant for colds and chest complaints. 15b
Other uses:
⋅ Used as an insect and reptile repellent. 15a
⋅ Half-green branches were burnt and scattered around the camp to repel insects and reptiles. 15b
⋅ The branches would be used to build shelters. 15b
⋅ The wood was used for making weapons. 15b
⋅ The leaves on many Leptospermum species can be used to make a tea, it is safe to try any species,
however, some produce an unappetizing brew. 15c
Image

References:
15a: Page 28 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
15b: Page 49 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
15c: Page 204 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987.
15d: Page 11 – A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names, complied, edited by Les Bursill, 2014.
15d: Image: Photos by Ann Stafford
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

16
Common name: Cranesbill, Native Geranium
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Geraneum homeanum
Location at Coutts: Found along the edges of the carpark, growing in disturbed soils. Plantings have been
introduced beside the Activities Hall (refer to the map).
Food:
⋅ The flower can be eaten raw or mixed with other ingredients. 16a
⋅ This trailing plant produces a thick tap root. The cooked taproots of some species were reportedly
eaten by Aboriginal people.
⋅ Flowers: Spring through to Summer.
Medicine:
⋅ The leaves can be crushed and applied to burns and blisters. 16a
⋅ The raw tuber can be used as a medicine for internal complaints. 16a
⋅ The tap root was eaten raw to treat diarrhoea. 16b

Image

Note: This plant is small in scale and easily missed growing amongst other larger leaved plants. Look carefully for the
distinctive-shaped leaf.
References:
16a: Page 94 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
16b: Page 52 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
16c: Page 110 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
16d: Image (plant): http://www.coledalerainforestretreat.com.au/photos-of-flora-and-fauna/attachment/dsc05408
16e: Image (flower): Photo by Ann Stafford
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

17
Common name: Wild Parsnip
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Trachymene incisa
Location at Coutts:
Possibly endemic to the area the past. Introduced to Coutts for this trail.
Food:
⋅ The pretty white flower heads appear in summer. 17a
⋅ The taproot resembles a small parsnip. Wild parsnip is one of Australia’s tastiest wild foods. The thick
juicy taproots are sweet and milder in flavour than their namesake. Edible raw or cooked, young roots
are especially succulent, becoming somewhat fibrous with age. 17a
⋅ There are no historical records of the Aboriginal people eating wild parsnips which shows how
incomplete our knowledge of Aboriginal diet must be. The plant is well known and much liked by
country people. 17a
⋅ Note: Please refrain from digging up these plants to try them. We would like to keep the plants
established so others can view them.

Images

References:
17a: Page 111 - ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
17b: Image (plant): http://www.survival.org.au/bf_trachymene_incisa.php
17c: Image (flower): http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5603/15198394454_39afb9a65e.jpg
17d: Image (tubers): http://herbalistics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/thumb_IMG_0134_1024-e1453163038425.jpg
17e: Image (whole plant): http://www.survival.org.au/images/bf/100_1609trachymene_incisa600.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

18
Common name: Grasstree
18a
Dharawal name: Mingo
Botanical name: Xanthorrhoea spp.
Location at Coutts: Widespread. Most examples tend to be small and low to the ground with little of the
trunk visible.
Food:
⋅ The large flower spike was beaten off the top of the trunk with a large stick; the outer leaves were
then stripped leaving about 35mm of tender white flesh which they ate raw or roasted. This was far
from disagreeable in taste having a nutty taste, slightly balsamic. 18b
⋅ The Aboriginal people licked the beads of pollen of sweet nectar off the flower heads or soaked the
flower heads in water to make a sweet drink. 18b
⋅ Leaf bases, young shoots were eaten. 18a
⋅ The flowers can be eaten. 18a
⋅ When in flower the plant is a good indicator of bee hives in the area. 18a
⋅ Flowers: Spring through to Summer.

Other uses:
⋅ To the Aboriginal people, the grasstree was an exceptionally useful plant. 18b
⋅ Flower stalk was used as a light weight spear shaft, the shafts floated in water. 18a
⋅ Resin was collected from a small hole which was cut into the base of the plant. This resin was used as a
glue to attach blades or points to spear shafts, or to attach fishing hooks to lines. 18a
⋅ The resin also made good wood colouring for tools and weapons. 18a
⋅ Baskets are made from the long thin leaves. 18a

Images

Note: These plants are a protected species.

References:
18a: Page 101 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
18b: Page 140 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
18c: Image (grasstree plant, no flower stem): http://www.survival.org.au/images/bf/100_1685xanthorrhoea600.jpg
18d: Image (grasstree at Camp Coutts): Photo by Ann Stafford
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

19
Common name: Soft Tree fern
Dharawal name: Gourro-mool 19e
Botanical name: Dicksonia antarctica
Location at Coutts: Along the main track from the carpark to the office
Food:
⋅ This plant indicates clean fresh water is close by. 19b
⋅ The uncurled fronds of tree ferns, called croziers, are edible and have a juicy, slimy, sometimes bitter
taste. 19c
⋅ James Backhouse wrote ‘ The native Aboriginal people of the colony used to split open about a foot
and a half of the top of the trunk of the tree fern and take out the heart, in substance resembling
Swedish turnip, and of the thickness of a man’s arm. This they either roasted in the ashes, or ate as a
bread, but it is too bitter and astringent to suit an English palate’ 19d
Medicine:
⋅ The new fronds were crushed and the sap was placed on burns and blisters. 19a
⋅ The sap of the roots was also used to heal burns and blisters. 19a

Images

References:
19a: Page 92 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
19b: Page 89 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
19c: Page 86 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
19d: Page 312 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
19e: Page 11 – A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names, complied, edited by Les Bursill, 2014
19f: Image (curled frond or crozier): Photo by Ann Stafford
19g: Image (plant): Photo by Ann Stafford
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

20
Common name: Native Sarsaparilla
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Smilax glyciphylla
Location at Coutts: Widespread. Look closely, the leaves have three distinctive veins making this plant
easier to identify. If growing in full sun the leaves tend to be redder in colour.
Medicine:
⋅ 'Leaves and stems provide a cure-all and a general tonic reputed to relieve colds, flu, coughs,
bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatism and diabetes. The new leaves can be sucked to ease a sore throat';
use with horehound for 'good blood medicine'. 20a
⋅ When the leaves are made into an infusion it has been used to treat stomach ache. 20a
⋅ Infusion of leaves esteemed as a pleasant tea. Reputation as a tonic and general remedy. Berries
contain as much vitamin C as tomatoes, a cupful a day needed to prevent scurvy. Decoction of leaves
also drunk for coughs and chest trouble. 20b
⋅ Flowers spring-Summer. Bunches of glossy black berries in Winter.20c

Images

References:
20a: Australian National Botanical Gardens website: https://www.anbg.gov.au/apu/plants/smilglyc.html
20b: Page 239 – ‘Bush Food, Aboriginal food and herbal medicine’ by Jennifer Isaacs, 1988.
20c: Page 344 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
20d: Image (plant): http://www.noosanativeplants.com.au/images/photos/600x600_Smilax%20glyciphylla%201.jpg
20e: Image (flower buds): http://www.gaiaguide.info/Image/mljwALDM.jpeg?version=medium
20f: Image (fruit): http://www.gaiaguide.info/Image/3cu5XZ3e.jpeg?version=medium
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

21
Common name: Cabbage Tree Palm
21a
Dharawal name: Dtharrowal
Botanical name: Livistona australis
Location at Coutts: Near the main entry gate and near the amenities block.

Food:
⋅ Many palms provide an excellent vegetable. The bud at the top of the tree is obtained by removing
the older leaves until the ‘cabbage’ is left, this palm heart may be boiled or roasted in ashes.
Unfortunately the removal of the bud kills the tree. 21b
⋅ Young shoots and leaves eaten raw. 21e
Medicine:
⋅ The moist pith of the tree, extracted from the trunk, was chewed to relieve a sore throat. 21d
Other uses:
⋅ Aboriginal people made baskets from the dead fibrous leaves. 21c
⋅ The mat that comes from the discarded leaf base is criss-crossed. If you take this mat and tan it with
bloodwood bark you can make ropes and nets and small traps for fish. 21c
Image

Note: This plant is sacred to the Dharawal Aboriginal group from southern Botany Bay. The Dharawal people are
21a
named after this plant. This plant indicates there are very old Aboriginal campsites nearby.
References:
21a: Catalogue of the Natural and Industrial Products of New South Wales 1867 by William Macarthur and CH Moore.
21b: Page 122 – ‘Wild Food in Australia’ by A.B. & J.W. Cribb, 1987
21c: Page 50 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
21d: Page 110 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
21f: Page 225 – ‘Bush Food, Aboriginal food and herbal medicine’ by Jennifer Isaacs, 1988.
21g: Image (low tree): Photo by Ann Stafford
21h: Image (larger tree): https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2911/14193509759_47c00d74a4_b.jpg
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

22
Common name: Wombat Berry
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Eustrephus latifolius
Location at Coutts:
Introduced to Coutts for this trail. Possibly endemic to the area the past. Occurrence noted in the Royal
National Park 22c
Food:
⋅ The berries ripen from green to orange, splitting to display shiny black seeds. The burst berries contain
a tiny amount of crisp white pulp which was eaten by the Aboriginal people. The roots swell into small
earthen-coloured tubers, 1-3cm long, which taste sweet and juicy, unless dry weather has shrivelled
them and made them bitter. Aboriginal people ate these although they are not easy to dig from the
normally hard soil in which they usually grow. 22a
⋅ The fruits are edible succulent orange berries. The plant produces a cluster of crisp white tuberous
roots which are edible raw. 22b
⋅ Flowers: During spring. 22b

Images

References:
22a: Page 122 - ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
22b: Page 343 - ‘Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney’ by Les Robinson, 1991.
22c: Australia’s Virtual Herbarium: http://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/8b873382-1bb1-4116-96e3-a8c234a32159
22d: Image: http://fairdinkumseeds.com/products-page/edible-roots-and-tuberous-vegies/wombat-berry-eustrephus-
latifolius-seeds/
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

23
Common name: Common Apple-Berry
23a
Dharawal name: Mylong
Botanical name: Billardiera scandens
Location at Coutts:
At the rear of the Cub hut, between the Cub hut and the Chapel.
Food:
⋅ Sweet apple-berry fruits have a delightful aniseed flavour, purple apple-berry fruits are aromatic and
mealy. 23b
⋅ Common apple-berries were onre of the first Australian fruits to be eaten by Europeans. The botanist
Joseph Maiden recorded in 1898 that it [has ben eaten by children ever since the foundation of the
colony and is one of the earliest known food plants of the blacks]. Aborigines ate not only the the ripe
fruits, which tasted like kiwi fruit, but also roasted and ate the unripe fruit. 23b
⋅ The fruits ripen only after they fall to the ground. 23b
⋅ Common Apple-Berry grows freely around Port Jackson. 22b
⋅ Flowering time: Spring.

Medicine:
⋅ The rotten, ripe fruits can be crushed and used for infected scratches and grazes. 23a
Other uses:
⋅ The vine from this plant makes a thin fibrous string. 23a
⋅ The ripe fruit indicates that early in the morning, python can be caught in the area hunting birds. 23a

Images

References:
23a: Page 42 – ‘Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra’ complied and written by Sue Wesson.
23b: Page 124 - ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
23c: Image (plant): https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3047899516_ae891478b7.jpg
23d: Image (flower): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Apple-Berry_in_flower_(5067549242).jpg
23e: Image (berry): http://www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au/
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

24
Common name: Rock Orchid, King Orchid, or Rock Lily
24d
Dharawal name: Buruwan
Botanical name: Dendrobium speciosum
Location at Coutts:
Can be found in the garden beds around the main campsite area. Listed in ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the
Illawarra’ and referenced as a plant of the Illawarra region and the Dharawal-speaking people.

Food:
⋅ Stems were roasted before eating. Alternately, stems could be stored for eating later. This food was
high in starch. 24a
⋅ Epiphytic * tree orchids lack tubers but have thickened stems which can be chewed and sucked for
their starch. 24b
⋅ * An epiphyte is a plant that grows harmlessly upon another plant and derives its moisture and
nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it. 24c
⋅ Flowering time: September to October.

Images

References:
24a: Page 46 - ‘Murni Dhungang’ by Terry Rankmore.
24b: Page 108 - ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
24c: Wikipedia
24d: Page 11 – A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names, complied, edited by Les Bursill, 2014
24e: Image (plant in rock crevice): http://www.therocklilyman.com/web_images/Granite%20in%20siu%20.JPG
24f: Image (flowers and plant): https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2003/thelychiton-speciosum.html
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

25
Common name: Gum trees
Dharawal name:
Botanical name: Eucalyptus spp.
Location at Coutts: Widespread

Food:
⋅ Some species, including bloodwoods, secrete so much nectar it can be sucked from the flowers, or
soaked in water to make drinks. 25a

Medicine:
⋅ Leaves: The leaves were steamed to give off healing vapours. Alternatively, the leaves were crushed
and inhaled. Infused into a tea to treat complaints such as coughs and colds. Leaves crushed and
made into a poultice (paste) to treat sores, abrasions and boils. 25b
⋅ Bark: An infusion (tea) was made to treat such ailments as diarrhoea and arthritis. Wounds and
bruises, sore eyes, and inflamed eyes were treated with medicines from the bark. 25b
⋅ Gum: Eucalyptus gum was placed in the dental cavity to alleviate toothache pain. 25b

Other uses:
25c
⋅ Gnarly protuberances of the eucalypt were used for making bowls.

Images

References:
25a: Page 154 – ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’ by Tim Low, 1991.
25b: Page 59 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
25c: Page 18 – ‘Explore Wild Australia with the Bush Tucker Man’ by Les Hiddins, 1999.
25d: Image (trees): http://sesl.com.au/uploads/images/fertileminds/201509/Mt%20Ainslie%20Scribbly%20Gum.JPG
25e: Image (flowers): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Eucalyptus_tereticornis_
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

26
Common name: Sydney Red Gum
Dharawal name: Kajimbourra 26c
Botanical name: Angophora costada
Location at Coutts: Widespread
Medicine:
⋅ Gum: Small balls of gum were placed in the tooth cavity to ease the pain of toothache. 26a
Other uses:
⋅ The Aboriginal women dig most of the collecting of food items while the men did most of the hunting.
The women would make string by rolling Lomandra or stringy bark on their inner thighs then using a
lopping design to make their dilly bags. The handles of these bags were usually worn on their heads so
their arms could be free for using their digging stick/guni to collect the 90 per cent of the food items
that kept the family fed. The women would also carry with them, either on their head or against their
hip, a high-sided timber bowl that would have been cut from the side of a tree or a knot of the
Angophora tree by the men.26b

Images

References:
26a: Page 100 – ‘Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra’ by Terry Rankmore.
26b: Page 16 - DHARAWAL The story of the Dharawal speaking people of Southern Sydney A collaborative work by Les Bursill,
Mary Jacobs, artist Deborah Lennis, Dharawal Elder Aunty Beryl Timbery-Beller and Dharawal spokesperson Merv Ryan
26c: Page 11 – A Collection of Dharawal Words and Phrases, Tree ferns and Tree Names, complied, edited by Les Bursill, 2014
26d: Image (tree): http://1.bp.blogspot.com/HthywBohEHM/T_A0V8nQdcI/AAAAAAAAknQ/RkRvytinioE/s1600/IMG_9772.JPG
26e: Image (seed pods): http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qg6LZz2Zwrg/SUHjRPGIePI/AAAAAAAAAzo/450SFMLwt18/s400/.JPG
Image (bark): http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2pYpAGs4E4/UWaVHf4dxdI/AAAAAAAA2jE/kIJYokhtq0E/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG
Camp Coutts – Bush food and medicine trail

References
Australian National Botanical Gardens website: https://www.anbg.gov.au/apu/plants/smilglyc.html

Bursill, Les (compiled and edited) (2014). A Collection of Dharawal Word, Phrases, Tree fern and Tree
Names. Dharawal Publishing Inc. Worrigee, NSW.

A collaborative work by Les Bursill, Mary Jacobs, artist Deborah Lennis, Dharawal Elder Aunty Beryl
Timbery-Beller and Dharawal spokesperson Merv Ryan.
DHARAWAL The story of the Dharawal speaking people of Southern Sydney. This document is available
online at: https://lha.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@lha/documents/doc/uow162226.pdf

Cribb, A.B. & J.W. (1988) Wild Food in Australia. Collins Publishers Australia, Sydney, NSW.

Hiddins, Les (1999) Explore Wild Australia with the Bush Tucker Man. Penguin Books Australia Ltd,
Ringwood, Victoria.

Isaacs, Jennifer (1988) Bush Food, Aboriginal Food and Herbal Medicine.Weldon Publishers, Willoughby,
NSW.

Low, Tim (1991) Wild Food Plants of Australia. Harper Collins Publishers Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Thank you
to Tim Low and Harper Collins for providing permission to use the many references included within this
guide. Tim Low’s Wild Food Plants of Australia is available at leading bookstores or through Harper
Collins http://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780207169304/wild-food-plants-of-australia

Low, Tim (1991) Bush Tucker Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Collins Publishers Australia, Sydney, NSW.

Macarthur, Sir William (New South Wales Exhibition Commissioner) & Moore, C.H. (Director of the
Botanical Gardens Sydney) (1867) Catalogue of the natural and industrial products of New South Wales,
forwarded to the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867, by the New South Wales Exhibition Commissioners.
Thomas Richards, Government Printer, Sydney, NSW.

Rankmore, Terry (Date of publication not known) Bush Medicine Plants of the Illawarra. The Illawarra
Aboriginal Corporation supported by a “Protecting Our Places” grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.
Landcare Illawarra invites you to download this resource for free from their website at
http://www.landcareillawarra.org.au/bush-tucker-and-bush-medicine/

Rankmore, Terry (Date of publication not known) Murni Dhungang. Landcare Illawarra with the support
of Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Landcare Illawarra invites you to download this
resource for free from their website at http://www.landcareillawarra.org.au/bush-tucker-and-bush-
medicine/

Robinson, Les (1991) Field Guide to Native Plants of Sydney. Simon & Schuster (Australia) Pty Ltd,
Cammeray, NSW.

Smith, Keith and Irene (2013). Grow Your Own Bush Foods. A Complete Guide To Planting, Eating and
Harvesting. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW.

Wesson, Sue (2005) Murni Dhungang Jirrar – Living in the Illawarra. National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville, NSW. Electronic version is available at
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/culturalheritage/illawarraAboriginalResourceUse.pdf

Cover Photo: Ann Stafford

Acknowledgements
The idea of this trail was mentioned in passing one day to Rex Teudt (Chief Warden at Camp Coutts) and
Peter Jamieson (Region Commisioner-Scouts- South Metropolitan Region). With their encouragement and
enthusiasm the idea has slowly became a reality.

The Bush Food and Medicine Trail at Camp Coutts has been funded in part by money raised by a crowd
funding campaign in 2016. Thanks to the people at Chuffed.org.au for taking on our campaign, providing
encouragement and guiding us through the whole process.

Many thanks go to our crowd funding supporters, without your generous donations the trail would have
remained just an idea: 2nd Enfield Scouts, Peter Jamieson, Drummoyne Scout Group, Stuart Waldon-1st
Balmain Scouts, 1st Alfords Point/Menai Scout group, Adrienne Gibbling, Lilli Pilli Sea Scouts, Renata
Ho’are, Anthea Cudworth-1st Balmain Scouts, Julia Stafford, Ann Stafford-1st Balmain Scouts, 2nd Panania
Scout Group, Jennifer Attard-1st Oatley Bay Sea Scouts, Mark Connell-1st Oatley Bay Sea Scouts, John
Dwyer-1st Heathcote Scouts, Silvia Fragicomo-Drummoyne Scout Group, Handzia Shuhevych-Drummoyne
Scout Group, Mark Lauer, Tony Melville, Cheryl Hogan, Ian Pitt, Phillip Cooper, Linda Williamson, Bob
Head, Michael Pitt-1st Leichhardt Scouts, Louis Bhim, Linda Soars, Diane Turner (Sutherland Bushwalkers).

Sharon Strong, Drummoyne Scout Group, helped with fund raising at the South Metropolitan Cub Day
Out. Thank you for all of your support, encouragement, inspiration and friendship.

Les Bursill (OAM), is a Dharawal (Aboriginal Australian) historian, archaeologist, anthropologist and
publisher. Les is a beautiful man who is incredibly generous with his time, support, encouragement
advice, knowledge and patience. Les has generously provided editing advice for these trail notes.

The tireless team of camp wardens of Camp Coutts who have nursed the new plants along, provided
advice, tools and many welcome cups of tea.

Goeff Songberg and Allan Songberg who have provided the mapping information.

Alex McCarthy, Region Commissioner (Environment) South Coast and Tablelands. Thank you for your
energy, advice and for providing invaluable vegetation maps of the area.

Thanks also go to Ecohort for their valuable assistance and expertise. Also for providing valuable
resources for use at the SEAC camp in 2016. www.ecohort.com

The YET team (Scouts Australia NSW State branch Youth Environment Team). A very committed and
dedicated team of Scouters who are passionate about the environment. Thank you for all of your
support.

Charles Doggett, 1st Balmain Scouts, who is always willing to help wherever and whenever help is needed.
Thank you for your support and friendship.

Thanks also go to my long-suffering husband, Chris Abraham, who is always left with the lion’s share of
parenting and household duties in support of my Scouting habit.