Embedding Knowledges of Country at Inveresk

Riawunna plant identification workshop with Aunty Patsy Cameron

Date: 7 November 2019 Attendees: Aunty Patsy Cameron, Betty Cameron, Tania Harvey, Jacqueline Power and Jen Smit

Introduction: The intent of this session was to prepare a list of the plants in the Riawunna Cultural Garden; taking photos of each and noting the common names and traditional uses. Further sessions to investigate the potential propagation of the actual plants within the cultural garden will be investigated by the team. Aunty Patsy advised there would be a positive cultural message in generating seedlings that can ‘transfer the energy of the garden’ into the new campus spaces at Inveresk.

Aunty Patsy Cameron

Botanical Name Common Name

Lomandra longifolia

Botanical Name Common Name

Exocarpos cupressiformis

Wild Cherry

Sagg Grass or Green Pea Plant

Uses: The white fleshy root above ground can be eaten raw and tastes like snow peas.The seeds can be ground into a powder when dried, although this is time consuming, and can be used to make an edible dough. This plant is easy to propagate from seed.

Uses: The red berries re quite tasty and are high in vitamin C. The trees in the Riawunna garden are very mature examples and provide shade and protection. It is possible to take a heel cutting and grow this into a seedling with the aid of a hormone solution.

Botanical Name Common Name

Dianella tasmanica Tasmanian Flax Lily

Botanical Name Common Name

Leptomeria drupacea

Wild Currant (Native Currant)

Uses: The cream coloured re good to eat. This plant flowers in spring, with fruits appearing in summer. Snakes are attracted to the sweet fruit.

Uses: The longer strappy leaves are dried and used for basket weaving. The blue berries are not edible.

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