An Australian Ogham

by Taran
FOREWORD
First of all I will say all references to months, festivals etc. are all from a Southern Hemisphere point of view, and yes I’m aware that I used the older names of the festivals not the new ones. This piece has been put together by myself using research from various sources, those being books, friends, gardens, and ‘spirit’. I am in no way suggesting that what I have laid out here is law, but perhaps it can be a starting point for discussion. I wish to say here that in the following pages I make reference to many ‘essences’. I wish to point out that those ‘observations’ are from the work Ian White has done with Australian Bush Flower Essences, not my own work.

This project initially was going to be to find Australian ogham equivalents. However, as Britain itself fits into my own state of Victoria over 10 times, I quickly discovered that was too big a project for me alone. So a friend of mine, Steve, suggested I might work with more local plants. I loved that idea. And although I then set out with a mind to concentrate on Victorian plants, most of the ones on this list were indigenous to my own area that I now live in, as well as other parts of Victoria. How these particular plants came to this list was a mixture of some that are used as flower essences, some I simply ‘came across’ or that ‘spoke out to me’ during my walks at a local garden.
Really this topic is an on-going thing, but for the purposes of this project, without continued heavy meditations, there has to be an end somewhere. Not all these plants are trees; in fact they range from the tallest flowering plant in the world (you’ll have to read it to find out which one) to small herbs and irises. But they all have meaning.
It is to be noted that in my ogham comparison I have not listed any plant as being the equivalent of the ogham – ‘The Grove’. I was ‘told’ that this was to be so, and to figure out why for myself. I wondered for quite a while until I realised a grove can have or be a group of many different plants. I could not assign anyone one plant to this ogham for that reason. In the esoteric section I often refer to colour. Without going into it in detail, I will basically explain something here. Heather and I had a discussion concerning how yellow has always been traditionally east and red always traditionally assigned to the fire direction, which in the southern hemisphere is north. But consider this, that the sky is at its most colourful at sunrises and sunsets, when the sky is often red, and not during the day. Both Heather and I have had some ‘thoughts’ that these two directions and their colours may not be law either. So in some cases when talking about colours in my project I see the yellow and red as, until I can figure out otherwise, somewhat interchangeable. I ended up bringing runes into this as well because as I was reading about the British trees – and as I work with (Nordic) runes a bit – I saw that there were many similarities there too. This was just a little side-project that snuck in there so don’t expect them all to fit like a glove either. Oh and I’m well aware that at times all the esoteric bits like the festival, colour and month, may not always match. But what do you want for only a few months’ work?
BANKSIA, SILVER
Banksia Marginata
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
1-10m X 1.5m. It has variable foliage, open shrub or small tree. Stiff linear to ovate leaves silver below, toothed. Striking dense, fuzzy spikes of tightly packed small flowers, pale to bright yellow in colour. Flowering September to April. Seed is shed when mature. Distinguished by the gnarled appearance with a crooked trunk. Has attractive woolly brown new growth. Habitat is widespread as can be found from coasts to range. Bushy form makes excellent screen plants. Forms found in Melbourne area are unlikely to exceed 5m in height.
NATIVE USES:
Flowers in full bloom contain honey. Flower cones allowed you to suck the honey out or soak the flower spikes overnight. With some banksias (Banksia marginata) they retained the dry cones and these were used to strain drinking water. White Banksia (Banksia integrifolia). Although the Aboriginal People could drink the nectar from the flowers without ill effect, white settlers found it caused headaches and nausea. Bushmen used the barren cones as a base for candles.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence Banksia Serrata). May Gibbs based her famous characters ‘big bad Banksia men’ on them. A remedy for solid, plethoric, heavy people, who are low in energy. For people who are disheartened or tired; this essence gives them staying power. For low thyroid activity. For reliable, dependable people who plod on; EARTHY natured people who operate more from the emotional and physical planes than the mental. Sluggishness, plethoric, low in energy, disheartened, weary, frustrated. Encourages enjoyment of life, energy, enthusiasm, and interest in life. Related subtle body is soul, astral, and etheric.
(Based on essence Banksia robur)
For people who’ve reached ‘burn out’. Tiredness, frustration and setbacks. Downhearted and flat. Is a good essence to literally bathe in as it washes away negativity. Encourages enjoyment of life, energy, and enthusiasm.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Flowers are rich in nectar; were named after the renowned English botanist Sir Joseph Banks who discovered the genus at Botany Bay in 1770. Fire resistant bark, leathery saw toothed leaves.
OTHER SPECIES:
Seratta, also from south-eastern Australia. It grows on coastal dunes and sandstone ranges. The name ‘old man Banksia’ derives from its bristling grey fruiting spikes that can look like small noses or chins.
Integrifolia is salt tolerant, also found southeastern Australia.
ESOTERIC:
(Element) assuming yellow can be north, then element is fire. (Colour) yellow meaning intellect, eastern colours also indicate logical. (Festival) Lughansadh for colour and flowers. Her twisty gnarled limbs and silver grey/green foliage somehow gives me the impression of feminine energy a grandmother. Her gnarled limbs are the bent old hands of a grandmother who has obviously washed many nappies, dishes, tended gardens etc. But there is gentleness too in those hands.
Month: February.
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham Vine. They both have a feminine energy, a joy and both are about the intellectual self.
Rune Laguz, – Flow. Flow of love.
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BLACKEYED SUSAN
Tetratheca Ciliata
Also called ‘Pink Bell’
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
0.3 – 0.6m X 03-0.6m. An erect or more often spreading, clumping shrub. Oval leaves in whorls of 3/4 distinctly fringed with hairs.
Fragrant mauve-pink, magenta or white flowers that hang profusely from short hairy stalks. Petals spread as they age. Flowers July December. No seed or fruits mentioned, is a spreading clump.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence Tetratheca Ericifolia). Tetratheca means ‘four sided box’. A good remedy for fast moving and quick thinking people who are impatient. Good for stress. For people who are trying to cram too much in. People who like to go at their own pace without hindrance from others. For people who think more quickly than they speak. Also good for indigestion, diarrhoea, headaches and adrenal stress: impatience, ‘on the go’, continual expenditure of energy, constant striving. Ability to turn inward, inner peace, slowing down, gentleness and sympathy. Related subtle bodies are mental and emotional.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Habitat is damp, valley and dry sclerophyll forests, grassy low open forest. FOUND in Cranbourne area.
Nectar plant
ESOTERIC:
(Festival) using the flower colours and timing, I’d say Samhuinn. (Element) Spirit, otherwise I guess I’d have to say water. Mauve/pink/white colouring I would find them Samhuinn colours. Numerolog: the number four comes up here a couple of times, leading to determination and materialism. Month: August.
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham Fern, Reed. Both refer to being on the go, needing to find order among the chaos. Both have a heavy theme of stress and strain. Rune Gebo: Partnership. A need to feel loved.
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BOTTLEBRUSH
Callistemon Sieberi
River Bottlebrush
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
3-10m X 2-6 m. Open to dense weeping shrub. Stiff narrow green leaves to 100mm long. Silky, silver new growth. These bear magnificent long stammered flowers scattered cream or pink bottlebrushes to 80 mm long. Flowering November to May. Most of them throughout the rest of Australia have red flower. The tips continue to grow as leafy shoots leaving long lasting, woody seed capsules that eventually become half embedded into thickened branch, which open upon fire or damage and that can be at any time of the year.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Callistemon cilinearis) Essence for transitions in life. Aids bonding between a mother and her child. Can be used by dying people to understand their process. Helps ‘brush away’ the past and allows the person to move on. Overwhelmed by major life changes (adolescence, parenthood, pregnancy, old age), approaching death, blockage. Serenity and calm, ability to cope, ability to move on. Relative subtle bodies: mental and physical.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Melaleuca is a related genus. Flowers are nectar rich. An attractive screening plant. A very flammable plant.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: despite the colouring, I’d find the bottlebrush to have Bealteinne energy as my own bottlebrush [albeit the red one] flowers in September. Element: flower’s meaning, Fire. Colouring: white is purity, red is passion so perhaps a negative of this would mean scattered worry and/or agitation. Month: November
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: Yew. The silky growth of the bottlebrush is very spiritual. And as an essence it is linked to death. The brush’s seed capsules generally release seed upon fire or damage. So both plants are shrouded in both death and rebirth. Rune: Othila – Separation. The death and rebirth being a kind of separation.
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CHERRY BALLART
Exocarpus Cupressiformus
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
3-8m X 3-5m. Dense rounded shrub to small tree. Leaves are reduced to tiny scales on yellow green to dark green branchlets. Resembles a pine tree. Flowers are insignificant spikes of cream followed by globular green nuts on fleshy orange to red edible stalks. Main attractive feature is its foliage. The seed was successfully germinated commercially after the fruit was fed to chickens and then that was sown with seeds of Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass).
NATIVE USES:
The fruits of these native cherries have a succulent base with a hard seed on top. There are several species, but this one is the most common. The wood was used for spear throwers and bullroarers, and the sap was applied to snake bites.
HEALING USES:
Was used by local Yarra tribe to make spear throwers.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Classified as a tree. Whilst a very attractive tree, it needs a symbiotic relationship with another plant to grow well. They are brittle in the wind but coppice readily. The timber is excellent for turning and furniture.
The name ‘Ballart’ comes from Western and Central Victoria.
OTHER SPECIES:
E. Strictus – Palefruit Ballart, Dwarf Cherry
ESOTERIC:
Festival: as I still don’t know when it either flowers or fruits it is difficult to say. When I saw the plant late winter there was no sign of either. But due to the very earthy nature of the plant I’m going to say Alban Arthuan here. Element: earth due to its fruit. Colouring: I find a common theme of scattering and agitation. Really this tree could do with much more meditation to really get ‘in touch’. Month: June
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: Heather. The Heather together with the mistletoe gives both plants an ‘all heal’ theme to it as the Cherry’s fruit heals many things. Cherry Ballart is a good plant for scattering and agitation, hence the nervous theme with the ogham. I also found the foliage of the Ballart very spiritual.
Rune: Nauthiz – Constraint. The nervy nature of both plants could do with calming down and a bit of constraint.
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EUCALYPTUS
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
All local species have nectar rich white to cream flowers with massed stamens being the most conspicuous part. Petals and sepals are fused into a cap that is shed as the stamens unfold. Fruits are often round, pear or oval shaped small woody capsules with valves. They usually appear after flowering. Seed is captured from mature capsules. Their bark, foliage etc. differ. All have paired leaf arrangement typical of eucalypt seedlings. Main attractions being their trunks or flowers.
GUMS have bark on most of the trunk and branches which is smooth and shed annually leaving a cream or grey trunks. STRINGY BARKS are usually tall and straight. They are easily identified by the thick, widely furrowed dead bark, which is retained on the trunk and branches, weathering to grey or grey- brown. Long fibres can be pulled off in strands. The outer bark of the BOXES is persistent on the trunk, short fibred, thin and flaky or scaly. Wood is close grained and provides excellent firewood. PEPPERMINT alludes to the strong peppermint smell of the leaves of two Melbourne species when the leaves are crushed. The bark is grey. There is only one IRONBARK in Melbourne. Its bark is hard, thickened and deeply furrowed.
NATIVE USES:
Aboriginal People used eucalypts extensively for many products. With the Manna Gum/Ribbon Gum/White Gum (eucalyptus vimina), ‘manna’ is the sap, which exudes from the trees and dries into a sugary substance and drops from the tree. Food is obtained from seed, nectar, and manna.
Many medicinal concoctions were derived from the leaves and gums. Bark provided containers, canoes and fibre for string. Implements were also made from the wood such as spear-throwers, boomerangs, and shields. Knocking sticks were known to be made from the Mallee Gum. The gum is very astringent and has been used as a cure for diarrhoea.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Eucalyptus Caesia not found in Victoria). Eucalypts are exported and grown for their ability to stabilise the soil and drain swampy lands. It is for people who are uncertain about their ‘life plan’ or purpose. People who are at crossroads in their life with no clear direction.
Aimless, despondent, feeling flat, lack of direction. Motivation, direction, and life purpose. Relative subtle body: Causal.
(Based on essence for Macrocarpa Eucalyptus macrocarpa) Affinity with adrenal glands, immune system is weakened. A good pick-me-up. Good help at times of great physical stress: childbirth, sports, exams etc. Convalescent, tired, exhausted, burnt out, low immunity. Energy, vitality, and endurance.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
28 species are natural to the Melbourne area alone! The Eucalyptus genus is of the myrtle family. Leaves are renowned for their aromatic oil. Recently 113 species mainly ‘bloodwoods’ were split into a new genus Corymbia.
OTHER SPECIES:
Manna Gum/Ribbon Gum/White Gum (eucalyptus viminalis). Found in cooler regions of southeast Australia and hill country. Preferred food of Koalas.
BOXES: E. Albans White Box,
E. Baverian Blue Box or Round Leaf,
E. Goncoclyx Long leafed Box Bundy,
E. Melliodora Yellow Box,
E. Microcarpa Grey or Inland Grey Box, Narrow leaf box, E. Nortonii Large leafed Box,
E. Polyanthemos ssp vestita Red Box
STRINGYBARKS: E. baxteri Brown Stringybark, E. Caphalocarpa Silver Leafed Stringybark, Mealy Stringybark, E. Globoidea White Stringybark,
E. Macrorhyncha Red Stringybark
PEPPERMINTS: E. dives Broad leafed or Blue Peppermint E. Radiata Narrow Leafed Peppermint
GUMS: E. blakelyi Blakely’s Red Gum,
E. Camaldulensis River Red Gum,
E. Camphora Mountain Swamp Gum,
E. Cypellocarpa Mountain Grey Gum,
E. Leucoxylon ssp connata Yellow Gum, White Ironbark* E. Ovata Swamp Gum
E. Pauciflora ssp pauciflora Snow Gum, White Mallee E. Pryoriana Gippsland Manna Gum
E. Rubida Candlebark Gum
E. Viminalis Ribbon or Manna Gum
E. Yarraensis Yarra Gum
IRONBARK: E. Leucoxylon ssp connata White Ironbark,
OTHERS: E. behriana Bull Mallee,
E. Ignorabilis Scentbark,
E. Obliqua Messmate
E. Regnans Mountain Ash (tallest flowering plant in the world)
ESOTERIC:
A scribbly gum near the Melbourne Grove, revealed its ogham to me Alban Arthuan ‘99, well before I began this project. It gave me the ogham for ivy. My thoughts at the time: Resurrection. A key word for both ivy and the gum – will have to check biology but most trees are resurrected or regenerated anew after death in the Aussie bush. A fire can appear to kill, but many trees will either resurrect themselves or release their seed afterwards. In fact some plants can die without fire. Ivy flowers are yellow green and have black berries. Scribbly gum flower colours can be the same depending on species. Black can also represent a death by fire, yellow again. Ivy is feminine, I am unsure about the scribbly gum. Perhaps an Australian reading for this would be an intellectual death, but resurrection. Festival: despite the timing of the above I would say Alban Heruin. Colour: the predominantly white flowers can represent purity and truth, but the negative can be scattered. Meditation: having spent a few days with a small branch given me by a local eucalypt tree that had a flower but quickly dried to become seedpod, I have an interesting observation to make: the effect I found by having the pod under my pillow has meant I have been dreaming heavily. The dreams have all been like a search for or study of myself. I have also had increased prophetic intuition as well.
Month: December
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Ivy. Both are concerned with the search for self. NOTE: I have combined Eucalypt with Mistletoe for this one Ogham as the mistletoe grows predominantly on the Eucalypt. I was given a big ‘nudge’ from Spirit for this, telling me that the two go together for the purpose of ogham comparison.
Rune: Mannaz – Self, of course.
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FIREWEED,
Senecio
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
A large genus of herbaceous plants. Greenish-Yellow flower heads that are formed as a round ball of smaller florets. Fluffy seed heads follow flowers. Leaves often have ear like growths at the base called auricles. Flowering over summer.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence Senecio magnificus). For people with lack of connection, for lack of love as it reconnects the head with the heart. Yellow is the intellect, yet people who are ‘too intellectual’ often can be removed from their emotions. Good for people who feel alienation in a strange place, situation, or even sometimes within their own lands. Related subtle bodies: mental, causal, and emotional.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
There are 16 species of Serecios that are native to the Melbourne area. They are ‘pioneering plants’ germinating quickly following bush fires and colonising disturbed areas. Generally understorey plants but some may become invasive under ideal conditions.
OTHER SPECIES:
S. Biserratus – Jagged Fireweed
S. Cunninghamii – Branching, or Bushy Grounded S. Glomeratus – Annual Fireweed
S. Hispidulus – Rough Fireweed
S. Vardisseclus – Hill Fireweed
S. Cautus – Variable Groundsel
S. Lineraifolius – Firewheel Groundsel
S. Minimus – Shrubby Fireweed
S. Odoratus – Scented Groundsel
S. Quadridentatus – Cotton Fireweed
S. Runcinifolius – Tall Groundsel
S. Squarrosus – Leafy Fireweed
S. Vagus – Saw Groundsel
S. Vellecodes – Forest Groundsel
ESOTERIC:
Festival: despite colouring or perhaps as yellow in the north, I find this to have a Alban Heruin energy. Element: I find the element to be air. Colour: yellow giving an intellectual feel, the negative being narrow mindedness. Month: January
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Alder. Both talk about a need for self-expression. Rune: Kano – Opening, to open self-expression
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FLAG, PURPLE
Patersonia Fragilis
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Classified as iris/lily or a perennial herb. 10-20cm X 40 cm. Thick, fleshy, stiff, narrow, long, dull green to blue-green leaves. Bright, deep purple iris-like flowers on stems shorter than the leaves. Flowering September to January. The flowers have 6 petals; 3 large, round and spreading outer petals and 3 tiny, erect inner ones. An attractive plant even when not in flower. Flowers are short lived but produced in great number on sunny days.
Patersonia Occidentalis
20-40cm X 0.3 0.6m. A compact clumping perennial herb with long flat leaves to 60cm X 5mm convex on one surface. The tubes of bluish-purple, or occasionally white, flowers are almost hidden by the bracts. Flowering stems are as long as, or longer than the foliage. Flowering also September to January. Distinguishes from Fragilis by wider leaves, longer flowering stems and hidden floral tube.
FOUND: Royal Melbourne golf course Blackrock, Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: flowering times place it at either Alban Eiler, Bealteinne, or Alban Heruin. Perhaps if red were east then the purple flowers might place it more with Alban Eiler energy. Element: chief attraction are leaves and flowers which are north and east, that interchangeable theme again. I can’t choose between Air and Fire. Colour: a deeply spiritual feel to it. Month: September
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Beech. Both deeply spiritual although the flag is only a herb. There is an ancient feel to this plant.
Rune: Raido – Communication. I can’t explain why I chose this one.
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FRINGE LILY, (Fringed Violet)
Thysanotus Patersonii (Twining Fringe-Lily)
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Two types, one taller than the other. But range in size from a light perennial creeper or climber with stems of 0.1-1m long (patersonii). Twining weakly on other plants. A single stem, hairy at base. 1-2 short leaves, withering when leafless flowering stem develops. Numerous mauve to violet flowers consisting of three distinctly fringed petals, borne singly at the end of short branches. Flower August to November. A delightful climber but not noticeable until in flower.
NATIVE USES:
Aboriginal People ate tubers (of the tuberosis) and cooked and ground the leaves and flowers.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Thysanotus tuberosus). The hair like cilia on the flower resembles an aura, and as the flower is purple that relates to the spiritual side. A lot of shocks are due to a shock to a person’s aura, even surgery etc. can affect a person’s aura. Damage to aura, shock, trauma, lack of psychic protection, poor recuperation since trauma or shock, fear of physical contact due to rape or assault. Removal of effects of recent or old trauma, reintegration of physical and etheric bodies, psychic protection.
Related subtle bodies: astral, etheric
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Listed (by C’bourne gardens) as an Herb. Occurring in many areas.
OTHER SPECIES:
Thysantotus tuberosus Common Fringe lily. 15-30cm X 15-30 cm. An erect herbaceous perennial tuft. Few narrow greyish leaves. Channelled for most of length. Umbrella shaped, 1- 8 fringed mauve flowers, flowering in November to January. Flowers held above foliage on leaflets. Flowers only last one day generally opening in morning and closing by midday in hot weather but it produces flowers over some months.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: I find this to have a Samhuinn energy, this matches colouring and flowering times. Element: more spirit, but of the four I’d choose water. Colouring: gives a spiritual feel to it. Numerology: note also the number three here, spiritual again, in a sense. Month: August
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Rowan. Both have a heavy psychic influence to them. Rune: Algiz – Protection. i.e. of the psychic kind.
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FUSCHIA
Corea Reflexa
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Smallish bush with small dark green leaves. The flowers are bell shaped (except for C.alba which has an open star-like white flower). The flower colours are mostly pale green although C.reflexa can have a form where the flowers are red in colour with yellow tips which is more commercially appealing to sell. Size of coreas in general range from 0.3-2m X 1-2m. They have dark green leaves, which are often hairy.
NATIVE USES:
Correa Alba leaves were used as a tea
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Coreas are widespread and live in varied habitats from exposed coasts to mountains. They have nectar-producing flowers occurring over a long period, which attract honeyeaters. Leaves when crushed produce a distinct aroma. Usually propagated from cuttings as seeds are difficult to germinate.
OTHER SPECIES:
Correa Pulchella Salmon Correa. This has smallish leaves with felted hairs on the underside. Bell shaped flowers with little hairs. Known for their nectar.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: I find these plants to be a welcome splash of colour at the end of winter, so I place them around Imbolc. Element: Air. Colour: the more commonly seen reflexa flowers are red and yellow, thus perhaps strong communication of passion, the negative might be an inability to clarify, passions and aggression.
Month: March despite all of the above some can start flowering from March onwards.
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Furze. Both are big on nectar and attract honeyeaters. Rune: Jera – Harvest, the gathering theme of the Furze.
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GENERAL PLANT INFORMATION
Aboriginal lore
Aboriginal People inland were largely dependent on seeds from grasses (Acacia spp). Tribes on the coast and wetter areas had a more varied diet with a higher proportion of tubers and fruits. Many of the coastal plants also required more treatment eg. prolonged soaking to render them non-poisonous.
In general people in tropical areas enjoyed a much greater variety in their diet that those in southern or cooler areas.
An important feature in selection of bush remedies seems to be the choice of a particular plant, which resonates with the patient. ‘Seeing with inside eyes’ it’s called. A plant growing in a certain grouping, flowers at a certain stage of maturity, all add symbolic and metaphorical healing properties to whatever biochemical merit the substance may have.
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GREVILLIA, Rosemary or Spider Flower
Grevillia Rosmariniflora
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Variable 1-3m X 2-3m. A dense rounded shrub with stiff prickly needle-like flat leaves. Long unbranched spidery flowers of red, cream, or green drooping from the ends of branches most of the year, peaking winter and spring.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Grevillea buxifolia). When you look at the flower you can see a face with 2 sunken eyes and a wide-open mouth, resembling that famous picture called ‘the scream’. This suggests terror, absolute and immobilising terror or panic. Terror, fear of supernatural and of psychic attack. Faith, calmness, and courage.
Related subtle bodies: soul, astral.
(Based on essence for Red Grevillea Grevillea speciosa a spider-looking flower indicates being ‘caught in a web’ or stuck. Feeling stuck, over sensitive, too reliant on other. Boldness, strength to leave unpleasant situations
ADDITIONAL INFO:
A fire resistant plant. The dense prickly foliage provides excellent bird habitat. Some people suffer allergic reactions to the prickly leaves. Local forms have very limited distribution within Melbourne area.
OTHER SPECIES:
The Hurstbridge/Eltham form is low growing up to 1m X 1m. It has prickly bluish-green leaves and cream flowers with pink toning.
The form from the basalt plains, sold, as ‘Lara Dwarf’ is a small slow growing compact form with grey leaves and cream & pink flowers. Plenty gorge form is more upright to 1.5m X 1.m. Leaves are darker green and flowers have strong pink toning.
Grevillea alpina – Alpine or Mountain Grevillea, Cats Claw Grevillea infecunda – Anglesea Grevillea never sets seeds but forms colonies by suckering. Otherwise, all others germinated by cuttings.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: I find it has Imbolc energy. Element: air. Colour: able to express honesty and compassion; negative would be uncertain, scattered aggression. Month: June
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Blackthorn. Both talk about being ‘stuck’. Not always being able to go through an obstacle of your life but having to find a way around it. Rune: Hagalaz – Disruption of well-made plans.
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GUINEA FLOWERS
Hibbertia
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Hibbertias are small shrubs with masses of showy yellow 5-petalled flowers, which are a bit bigger than their leaves. Plant ranging from prostrate to 1m high by a maximum of 2m wide. They flower August to September. They have tiny dark green to mauvish leaves which end to a small point.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Hibbertia pendunculata). People who have a great desire to learn, who are very strict with themselves in this regard. Who have a desire to learn in order to feel superior to others. This essence can help integrate the information and ideas with their experiences and intuition in order to achieve balance. Has 5 petals, the number 5 relates to emotional centring.
Self-improvement fanaticism; addition to acquiring knowledge; excessive self-discipline need to feel superior. Content with own knowledge, acceptance ownership and utilisation of their knowledge. Related subtle bodies: mental and emotional
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Listed as a shrub. Nine species found in the Melbourne Area.
OTHER SPECIES:
Hibbertia acicularis – Prickly Guinea Flower “ fasciculata – Bundled Guinea Flower “ Sericea – Silky Guinea Flower
empetrifolia – Trailing Guinea Flower
obtusifolia – Showy or Grey Guinea Flower prostrata – Stalked or Bundled Guinea Flower riparia – Erect Guinea Flower
Stricta Virgata – Twiggy Guinea Flower
ESOTERIC:
Festival: flowering times would give this plant a wide range from Samhuinn to Alban Arthuan to Imbolc. I would place it more with an Imbolc energy. Element: the flower colours are yellow and flowers themselves lead to Fire. Colouring: intellectual, critical; negative side: needing clarification.
Month: September
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Silver Fir. Both talk about learning from experiences. Rune: Ansuz – Signals. A part of learning.
HAKEA, DAGGER
Hakea Microcarpa
‘ Needle Bush’
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Evergreen. Ranging in size from 1-3m X 1-3m. Flower colours range yellow, white, cream, or pink. Flowers are born in small clusters. Flowering mostly in autumn to Spring the H. teretifolia (Dagger Hakea) flowers over summer. Seed is protected by large woody fruit, which open after fire or damage and they can drop at any time of the year. Most have impenetrable prickly leaves.
NATIVE USES:
Known for being able to provide water through their shallow roots.
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Hakae teretifolia). Because of the needle-prickly nature of the leaves this remedy is for people who are a bit ‘prickly’ and whose words can be sharp barbs. In Chinese medicine the gall bladder and liver are related to anger. Resentment, bitterness towards close family friends and lovers. Forgiveness, open expression of feelings. Related subtle bodies: mental, emotional
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Shrub. Closely allied to Grevilleas. Flowers have a honey like fragrance. Four hakeas occur in the Melbourne region. All have pungent-tipped foliage and clusters of flowers in the leaf axils. Their seeds are protected by large woody fruit, which open after fire or damage. A favourite among birds they provide food and protection from predators. Found in many areas including Cranbourne A fire resistant plant.
OTHER SPECIES:
Species in Victoria: H. nodosa Yellow hakea H. Sericea Silky Hakae, Bushy Needlework H. Terefolia ssp hirsute Dagger Hakae
H. Ulicina Furze Hakae
ESOTERIC:
Festival: flowering times mean this has a Imbolc feel to it. Element: I can’t choose between Fire as the seeds open after fire, or Water see native uses. Colouring: give an intellectual purity that can also mean unclarified, scattered aggression. Again north and east colouring intermixed.
Month: November, mine is flowering at that time.
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Hazel. I find the negative of both the Hazel and the Hakea as people who are blocking energy. The positive being forgiveness and an ability to help others. Rune: Eihwaz – Defence. People who are defensive and blocking.
HEATH, COMMON
Epacris Impressa
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Upright plants with masses of tubular flowers, which are borne on the upper branches from late autumn to spring. Long tubular flowers which are white to pink and scarlet. Each flower arises just above a leaf, but the flowers are often so densely packed that the cluster of flowers looks like a brush. It resembles some of the heathers and related plants of the northern hemisphere. Small sharply pointed leaves
ADDITIONAL INFO:
There are three species found in the Melbourne region. Classified as a shrub. Found in the heathlands and woodlands of Victoria. It was adopted as Victoria’s state emblem in 1958. The two plants in flower are included in the coat of arms between the central shield and the female figures, representing Peace and Plenty. Propagated commercially by cuttings.
OTHER SPECIES:
Epacris runnii
Epacris Impressa – Common Heath
Epacris Obtusifolia – Blunt-leaf Heath
ESOTERIC:
Festival: I feel this to have an Alban Arthuan feel to it. Element: my first reaction would be spirit, but in that absence perhaps water as it flowers over winter. Colour: lends pure strength, the negative of this being scattered aggression; the positive being focused and calm. Month: May
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Honeysuckle. Peace and plenty giving an assurance in self. Deep and spiritual plants. Rune: Dagaz – Breakthrough.
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HELMET ORCHID
Corybas
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
They have a single, flat, ground-hugging dark green leaf and a shortly spiked flower conspicuously hooded by the large erect dorsal sepal. Later sepals and petals are reduced and narrow, the large tubular labellum is erect at the base, expand then curving downwards. In other words it has a stamen which is covered over by a petal therefore it looks like its wearing a hood. Flower colours are reddish-purple. Flowering anywhere from March to November. Its main attraction being its hooded flowers. Reproduces by tuberiods.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence used for Corybas dilatus same as one found in Vic). This helps fathers bond with their children. Rebellious natures can often be traced back to poor relationships with fathers. This essence also enables people to become aware of and feel concern for the whole planet.
Problems with authority, rebellious, hot-headed, selfish. Male bonding, sensitivity, respect, and consideration. Related subtle bodies: causal, emotional
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Dwarf terrestrial orchids of cool, sheltered areas reproducing by tuberiods to form colonies which are often hidden beneath shrubs and grassy tussocks There are four species found in the Melbourne areas. Pollinated by small fungus gnats.
OTHER SPECIES:
Corybas aconitiflorus – Spurred Helmet Orchid Corybas diemenicus – Veined Helmet Orchid Corybas incurvus – Slaty or Toothed Helmet Orchid Corybas unguiculatus – Small Helmet Orchid, Pelicans.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: both colouring and timing of flowers can give this plant anywhere between Lughnasadh or Bealteinne. However, due to its love of water I will say Alban Elued. Element: water, as it grows in sheltered dampish areas. Colouring: gives out a passionate vision/spirit with great strength, the negative of this being obsessive aggression. A very male feel to it, rebellion aggression etc.
Month: April
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Holly. Both plants here have major male influences. Rune: Uruz – Strength, also associated with both.
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INDIGO AUSTRAL (Indigofera)
Austral Indica
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
1-2m X 1-2m. Open spreading shrub. Blue-green leaves. Sprays of mauve, occasionally pink, or white pea flowers, flowering in September to December. Flowering followed by brown seedpods. Scarified seed.
NATIVE USES:
The crushed roots were used by the Aboriginal People to poison or stun fish. They also obtained blue dye from the flowers.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Cranbourne Gardens classifies it as a shrub. It plays an important role in soil fertility like beans and legumes do. A nectar plant. It is useful as an understorey plant.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: Alban Eiler. Element: I find is earth as it has a close relationship with the earth, see additional info. Colouring: a pure vision/spiritual feel, the negative being scattered obsession. Month: October. Spring.
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Elder. Both have strong life and death, regeneration themes to them. Rune: Sowelu – Wholeness. It embodies the whole cycle of life and death.
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ISOPOGON (Horny Cone Bush)
Isopogon Ceratophyllus
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
0.2-0.6m X 0.5-1.2m. Although the main attraction is the flowers, it is admired also for its light green foliage, which is hard and prickly. It is ferny in appearance. It is also valued for its globular heads of fragrant yellow flowers. It flowers in September to November. Flowers are followed by woody, knob-like fruiting heads that resemble small pinecones or drumsticks (also its common name).
HEALING USES:
(Based on essence for Isopogon anethifolius). Useful for opening up the subconscious mind and retrieving long-forgotten skills. To help retrieve memories of the past. The positive aspect is a natural leader who is inspiring, wise, tolerant and who encourages others. Poor memory, inability to learn from past experiences, senility, controlling person. Able to learn from past experiences, retrieval of forgotten skills, relating without manipulation or control.
Related subtle body: mental
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Described as ‘Plants of quiet charm’. Listed as a shrub. Locally rare.
OTHER SPECIES:
Isopogon anemonifolius has creamy yellow flowers.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: flower colour and times give this plant an Alban Eiler energy. Element: very much air. Colour: yellow for intellect. Month: November
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – The Sea. Both deal with hidden or deep knowledge and learning. Rune: Perth – Initiation/hidden knowledge.
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MELALEUCA
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Size 2-9M X 3 m. Narrow dark green leaves to 15mm long. Fast growing medium to large shrub or small tree. Only two of the local species have the characteristic ‘paperbark’. Cream to yellow bottlebrush flowers 20mm long from September to March, followed by a cluster of woody seed capsules, which open after fire or damage. The plants form dense copses. A very adaptable plant, with age the trunk takes on interesting forms.
NATIVE USES:
The bark was used by Aboriginal People to wrap their babies, and for blankets, bandaging and roofing. The pale paperbark was also used in bark paintings. Aboriginal People also made clubs from the young stems with a root attached. The nectar is a sweet drink.
HEALING USES:
Oil from crushed leaves used to treat colds.
OTHER SPECIES:
Melaleuca lanceolota – Moonah
parvistaminea – (very similar to ericifolia) squarrossa’ – Scented Paperbark
ESOTERIC:
Because of an experience a friend Steve had, I would tend to link this plant to the oak tree. Steve said he felt an incredible energy coming from the tree, particularly the trunk. There is also a vague similarity with the way both trees spread out. Numerology: each flower ‘brush’ is a set of many smaller flowers; each smaller flower has six ‘petals’ or really they are hairs with pollen dangling at the end of it. So, the number six: ‘as above so below’. Colour: flowers are mostly white, so purity here. Festival: Bealteinne. Element: firstly I would say spirit, then of the four I would say fire because it is fire that releases the seed from their capsules. Meditation: I kept getting the phrase, tree of ‘knowing’, although I can’t elaborate. If the Banksia is grandmother energy, then the melaleuca is the mother energy. I feel there is more to ‘Mely’, a lot more could be gleamed with more meditation.
Month: December
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Oak. Both trees of Great Spirit; both protectors, very wise. Rune: Thurisaz – Gateway.
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MISTLETOE
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Usually groups of 3 or sometimes 4 flowers often red, orange-red in colour. Green leaves. Flowering usually over summer periods. Generally when growing on Eucalypts it can be very difficult to spot, often because it grows so high up in the tree but doesn’t exclusively grow on Eucalypts either.
HEALING USES:
The sticky fruits were good to eat. In some areas the leaves were also used in healing.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Mistletoes, although parasitic they are generally not a problem in forested areas because of the number of host trees available. On cleared land where few trees remain, this may cause heavier infestation on each tree, which may result in the trees death. The mistletoe bird eats the berries and deposits the seeds on the branches of host trees. Mistletoes are the host plants of the Imperial White butterfly.
OTHER SPECIES:
Amyema linophyllum orientale Slender-Leaf Mistletoe Young leaves covered with white hairs. Pairs or clusters of blue-green needle-like leaves. Globular berries. Becoming rare in Melbourne. Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe
Droops to 3m long. Curved bronze-green linear leaves. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year. Fruit is a cylindrical to pear-shaped berry. This one may kill host plant. Common host is Eucalyptus but also found on Acacia Amyema pendulum Drooping Mistletoe.
Very similar to A. miquellii. The main distinguishing feature is the flower cluster is bigger. Amyema preissi Wireleaf Mistletoe
Found on coastal areas or basalt plains. Has bright green leaves. Amyema quandang Grey Mistletoe
Grey short hairy plant. Fruit is a pear-shaped berry. Flowers most of the year. Lysiana exocarpi Harlequin Mistletoe
Narrow bluish-green leaves. Groups of 2 or 3 curved, tubular bright red flower, greenish towards the end. Fruit is a green drupe ripening to red or purple. Fruit was eaten by Aboriginal People. Locally rare.
Muellerina eucalyptoides Creeping Mistletoe Erect dense parasitic climber becoming pendulous under its own weight. Pale green leaves. Very attractive large red and greenish flowers, followed by green sticky pear-shaped fruit.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: Alban Heruin. Element: air, as the birds spread the seed. Colour: this is a very active plant, but perhaps giving a strong home environment – the negative of this being very agitated and angry. Numerology: 2, 3 or 4 depending on the type giving; a spiritual feel here, but grounded in a sense.
This is one of the two plants that gave me their ogham in ‘99. However, I became very confused at one point wondering which ogham is for what plant. That was when I was told this plant is to be ‘married with’ the Eucalypt to the ogham comparison. The mistletoe grows on Wattles, but is really best known for growing in Eucalypts. Month: December
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: Ivy, see Eucalypt for details.
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RICE FLOWER,
Pimelea
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Pimeleas are attractive small, hairy shrubs, ranging in size from prostrate to 3m high X 30cm to 2m wide. Most species display striking flowers often surrounded by large bracts. Flower colours range from creamy, white, yellow-green, and pink. Each flower is tubular and star- shaped.
Most have dark green leaves, which are almost always in pairs. Seeds from November to January and drop within a day or so of their forming.
NATIVE USES:
The tough bark was known as ‘bushman’s bootlace’ and was stripped off this species by Aboriginal People to make very strong but delicate nets to catch the Bogong Moths with, and to make head bands.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Pimelea linifolia). One of the major properties of this plant is co-operation as there are many individual flowers that cluster together to form one spherical flower head.
Pride, jealousy, racism, narrow-mindedness, comparison with others inharmonious traits.
Humility, group harmony, co-operation, and conception of beauty in others. Related subtle bodies: emotional, causal
ADDITIONAL INFO:
There are 12 species in the Melbourne area. They are an important source of nectar for butterflies. Propagated from cuttings.
OTHER SPECIES:
Pimelea axiflora – Bootlace Bush, Tough Rice Flower * P. Curuiflora – Curved Rice Flower
P. Flava Yellow Rice Flower
P. Glauca – Smooth Rice Flower
P. Humilis – Common or Small Rice Flower P. Lingustrina – Tall Rice Flower
P. Linifolia – Slender Rice Flower
P. Micrantha – Silky Rice Flower
P. Octophylla – Woolly Rice Flower
P. Pauciflora – Poison Rice Flower*
(has succulent red drupes [fruit with a store or seed surrounded by flesh] that follow flowering).
P. Phyliciodes – Heath Rice Flower
P. Spinescens – Rice Flower
ESOTERIC:
Festival: colouring, flowering, and seed times give it an Alban Heruin energy. Element: Fire. Colour: pure, intellectual, compassionate healing, yet the negative would be scattered and uncertain. Numerology: note the 5-starred petal, bring in emotions. Month: January
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Apple. Both have the number 5 featuring. Rune: Isa – Standstill. Not being able to think correctly (narrow-minded) or to be able to choose.
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ROSE, RIVER (Dog Rose)
Bauera Rubiodes
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
1-2m X 1-2m. A fast growing dense scrambling shrub. Pairs of leaves divided into three, giving the appearance of whorls of six leaves. Branches are thin and wiry, often scrambling among other shrubs Showy display of pink, sometimes white, open flowers most of the year. Known for the star- shaped flowers.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Bauera rubiodes). In Chinese medicine the element water relates to the kidney meridian. The emotion associated with the kidneys is fear. This plant likes the damp. The flowers have a limp hanging position like the rounded shoulders of a defeated person. Fear is also a sign of too much self-interest, of energy being directed inwards in a morbid way. Fear has the effect of blocking and suppressing the life force. Can be used for shy people whose shyness stems from lack of self-confidence. Fear can also manifest itself in the stomach.
Fearful, shy, insecure, apprehensive with others, niggling fears. Confidence, belief in self, courage, love of life. Related subtle bodies: causal, astral, and etheric.
(Based on essence ‘Dog Rose of the Wild Forces’ Grampian Bauera or Showy Dog Rose Bauera sessiliflora). Comes from the Grampians and grows especially in or need creek beds. This flower is upright flowering in spring from September to December. It is a different species to the Dog Rose but the same Genus. This is for those who are on a knife edge and could snap at any moment.
Fear of loss of control, physical pain with no apparent cause. Emotional balance, calmness, and sanity in times of turmoil.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Classified as a shrub. The genus was named by Sir Joseph Banks in honour of botanical artists Ferdinand and Franz Bauer.
OTHER SPECIES:
The Sessiflora is also found in western Victoria. It has rose to magenta coloured flowers, however this species not found in other books.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: I would say this has a Bealteinne energy. Element: the starflowers give me a spirit element here but in that absence then I’d say water as it likes the damp. Numerology: 2,3, and 6, ‘as above so below’, sensitivity, mental focus, creativity. Month: December
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Ash. ‘As above so below’ for both plants, see notes. Rune: Fehu Possessions/Nourishment, as above so below.
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SHE OAK
Allocasuarinas
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Medium shrubs to tall trees. Most species are dioecious. Male plants have flower spikes from yellow to brown at the end of branchlets, while female plants bear globular reddish flowers along the trunk and branches. Flowering generally from March to December. Seed cones form February to May but seed doesn’t drop unless fire or damage. Foliage is reduced to whorls of leaf teeth along branchlets at nodes. Despite bearing only inconspicuous (male and female) flowers, casuarinas are graceful trees.
NATIVE USES:
Known for being able to provide water through their shallow roots. The hard wood was much used for making boomerangs, shields, and clubs. The young shoots were chewed to allay thirst and young cones were also eaten.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Casuarina glauca). As the name suggests this has to do with the feminine. With fertility, hormones etc. within women. Hormonal imbalance, unable to conceive (for no other perceivable reason). Hormone balance, conception, and fertility Related subtle body: causal
ADDITIONAL INFO:
The only Casuarinas listed for the Melbourne area are Allocasuarinas, although all species were formally in the Casuarina genus.
Habitat found in coastal areas with some growing inland. Timber provides excellent firewood.
Fast growing, tolerant of strong winds and adaptable to dry conditions. Grown as shade. They can release nitrogen organisms that inhibit growth beneath them (like pines do). Excellent for firewood.
OTHER SPECIES:
Allocasuarina littoralis – Black Sheoke
A. Luehmannii – Swamp Sheoke
This one may have both male and female flowers A. Paradoxa – Dwarf Sheoke
A. Verticillata – Coast or Drooping Sheoke
Closely related to Casuarina or Gymnostoma. Casuarina equisetfolia, has long weeping silvery-grey branches, it grows on beaches and coasts. It is resistant to salt. Makes excellent firewood, but also used for boat building, houses and furniture.
Casuarina glauca is one of the oldest groups of flowering plants whose ancestors existed here at least 80 million years ago. The versatile timber is strong and tough and was found to make better axe handles than American hickory.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: brown colouring and flowering times give her an Alban Arthuan energy. Element: definitely water. Colouring: grounded application of intellect and strength. Doesn’t that describe a woman? (grin) Month: April
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Willow. Both are very feminine, deal with fertility and water plants. Rune: Inguz – Fertility.
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SUNDEW
Drosera
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Droseras are small carnivorous perennial herbs. Known as sundew, they trap insects on special sticky hairs on their leaves that mostly lay along the ground. They look like round, hairy, leaves that close over once an insect lands on them. All have flowering stems taller than their leaves. Flower colours are white, orange-pink, and red. Flowering generally most of the year but not over summer. Propagation by seed sewn in spring. Main growing season is from autumn to spring usually with a dormant period during summer when the plants die back to their roots. Height ranges from 2cm to 0.8m X 2cm to 0.8m.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Drosera spathulata). The tiny flowers that are raised high above the solid base, wobble around in the breeze. Hence this would suggest it is good for people who are too ‘airy’ in that they have their ‘heads in the clouds’ day dreaming too much. This helps ground a person. Also good for those occasions when the astral body is somewhat detached from the body. Vagueness, disconnectedness, split, indecisive, lack focus, daydreamer. Attention to detail, grounded, focused, living in the present. Related subtle bodies: mental, astral, and etheric
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Listed as herbs. There are 8 species in the Melbourne area.
OTHER SPECIES:
Drosera binata Forked sundew
Glanduligera Scarlet sundew
Macrantha Climbing sundew
Peltata Pale sundew
Pygmaea Tiny sundew
Whittakeri Scented sundew
ESOTERIC:
Festival: this plant is dormant in summer. As this plant kills insects then I find it would have a Samhuinn energy. Element: yet the element would be air. Colour: a pure strong creativity, which negatively would be scattered aggression and agitation. Month: October
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: -White Poplar. Both for people who are too airy and need grounding or need strength to face ‘the harsh realities of life’.
Rune: Teiwaz – Warrior. Spiritual warrior.
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TEA TREE
Leptospermum
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Are shrubs or small trees. Generally hardy and attractive plants, growing in understorey. Provide a good screen due to their compact habit. Sometimes prickly, but small and leathery leaves with 5 star petalled flowers in white or pink, flowering most of the year, but particularly October to March. Masses of seed are stored in woody capsules. Some species drop their capsules after a year, whereas others are only released after fire or damage to the plant.
NATIVE USES:
Leptosperm scoparium – children used to chew the young cones. This species has lemon scented leaves that were also boiled for tea. Stems and wood of the species in general were used by Aboriginal People to make pegs, and spears.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Leptospermum squarrosum). The petals have 5 flowers suggesting emotional centring. Has a balancing effect on the kidneys and pancreas. Mood swings, lack of commitment or follow through, hypochondriacs, easily bored. Emotional balance, follow through, trust in responsibility for one’s own health. Related subtle bodies: causal, physical
ADDITIONAL INFO:
There are 6 species found in the Melbourne area. Also of the myrtle family. The name tea-tree came about when Captain Cook and his crew made tea of their leaves. ‘Leptosperm’ means ‘slender seed’
FOUND in many areas including Cranbourne.
OTHER SPECIES:
Leptospermum Continentale Prickly Tea Tree Grandifolium – Mountain Tea Tree
Laevigatum – Coast Tea Tree
This species has a twisted gnarled trunk and flaking bark. Can become a weed if grown outside of its’ natural habitat.
Lanigerum – Woolly Tea tree
Wood from this was an important resource for Aboriginal People for providing Kangaroo spears and double-barbed spears.
Myrsinoides – Heath Tea Tree
Obovatum – River or Blunt Tea Tree
ESOTERIC:
Festval: colour and times suggests placing it at Bealteinne. Element: fire. Colour: purity and passion; the negative being scattered passions. Numerology: the five starred petals -emotions. Month: October
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Hawthorn. At first I was ‘told’ these two went together and then for my own curiosity set out to find how. Both are emotional calming. They also have similar growth type. Curiously enough both are used as hedges (possible emotional blocking here?). Rune: Berkana – Growth.
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WATTLE, GOLDEN
Acacia Pycnantha
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
The wattles are a very large genus represented by 23 species within the Melbourne region. They range in height from tall forest trees to prostrate shrubs up to 4 to 8 metres tall. They occur in a wide range of habitats. Their form and foliage are equally as diverse. The true leaves of acacias are divided and fern like and are most conspicuous when the plants are seedlings. Large fragrant golden ball or rod shaped flower heads, which flower in late winter to spring. Each golden ball contains up to 80 tiny scented flowers. Young seedlings have leaves but the ‘leaves’ of older plants are really flattened leaf stalks called phyllodes. Grows among taller trees in open forest and woodland. As a shrub it can also occur in open scrub where there are no trees. Not a long-lived plant. The pods that form after flowering, usually in January where the seeds drop fairly quickly after forming, contain hard seeds that are an important food source for many birds. They dangle from the branch looking like tiny green dried pea pods.
NATIVE USES:
The fragrant flowers were used in fritters and were fried and served with sugar. Known for being able to provide water through their shallow roots. The seeds, gum, wood and bark of many species were used extensively by local Aboriginal People as sources of food, fibre, medicine, implements, and containers. Acacia melonoxylon being a hard and close-grained wood, was used for spear-throwers and shields. The inner bark was infused in water to bathe rheumatic joints. Wattle gum was an important food as well as a cement. The wattle seed is high in protein and carbohydrate and was eaten both green and dry.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence Acacia terminalis). This one brings joys to people who desperately need it. For those who are stuck in the past and who think life is very grim. Expectation of grim future, hopelessness. Optimism, acceptance of beauty and joy in the present, joyful expectations. Related subtle bodies: causal, emotional The inner bark was infused in water to bathe rheumatic joints
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Most acacias are fire retardant.
The Black Wattle (Callicoma serratifolia). Early settlers had to use the old English method of wattle and daub. Branches of this black barked tree were interlaced or ‘wattled’ and then plastered or daubed with mud. This tree was called black wattle, but is unrelated with other wattles with the fluffy yellow balls.
OTHER SPECIES:
Acacia Oxycedrus Spike Wattle
Acacia Mimosaceae
Acacia Mearnsii Black Wattle
Acacia acinacea – Gold Dust Wattle
A. aculeatissma – Thin-leaf Wattle, Snake Wattle A. Brownei – Heath Wattle, Golden Prickly Wattle
A. Dealbata – Silver Wattle
Useful tree for erosion control. An important aboriginal plant. As well as seeds and gums being used, axe handles were made from the wood. The gum was also used as an adhesive or mixed with burnt wattle bark to produce an ointment. Also host to the Imperial Blue Butterfly caterpillar. Also used for perfume which was manufactured in France and called mimosa. A. Genistifolia – Spreading Wattle
A. Gunnii – Ploughshare Wattle
A. Implexa – Lightwood, Hickory Wattle
The phyllodes were used for dyeing, the bark for tanning, and fibres for twine. A. Lanigera – Woolly or Hairy Wattle
A. Leprosa – Cinnamon Wattle
Foliage has cinnamon fragrance on humid days or when crushed. A. Mearnsii – Black Wattle
Have same uses as A. Dealbata
A. Malanoxylon – Blackwood
Also have similar uses as A. Dealbata
A. Mucronata – Variable Sallow Wattle, Narrow Leaf Wattle A. Myrtifolia – Myrtle Wattle
A. Oxycedrus – Spike Wattle
A. Paradoxa – Hedge Wattle, Kangaroo Thorn A. Pycantha – Golden Wattle
Australias’ emblem. Have similar uses as previously listed. A. Rectinodes – Wirilda, Swamp Wattle
A. Sophorea – Coastal Wattle
Green seedpods were cooked and eaten by Aboriginal People. A. Stricta – Hop Wattle, Straight Wattle A. Suaveolens – Sweet Wattle
A. Ulicifolia – Juniper Wattle
A. Verniciflua – Varnish Wattle
A. Verticillata – Prickly Moses
ESOTERIC:
Festival: colouring and times place it at Alban Arthuan – as most species don’t flower actually until then. Actually the wattle is one of the first plants to flower often promising us that spring is only around the corner. A joy to see in flower. Element: air due to the fernlike leaves. Colour: an intellectual feel. Month: July
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Spindle. Both have themes of joy and suddenness to it, as the wattle’s flowering often takes us by surprise (and delight). Rune: Wunjo – Joy, of course.
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WEDDING BUSH
Riciniocarpus Pinifolius
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
1-3m X 1-2m. Dull green leaves. Masses of fragrant, open, white 5 petalled male flowers. Flowering September to November. Clusters of male flowers surround a cone like female flower, which swell to form a round fruit.
HEALING USES:
(Based on the essence for Riciniocarpus pinifolius). This is for relationships of all kind from romantic to business.
Difficulty with commitment to relationships. Commitment to relationships. Dedication to a goal or life purpose. Related subtle bodies: causal, emotional
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Classified as shrub. The two different types of flowers are that it has both male and female flowers on the same bush. Therefore they can pollinate each other.
ESOTERIC:
Festival: despite colour, this plant comes into flower just before or heralding spring so it definitely has an Alban Eiler feel. Perhaps more fitting as this is traditionally mating time – refer male and female flowers. Element: air or fire, I can’t decide. Colour: sharing. Numerology: have five starred petals, therefore emotions. Month: September
OGHAM AND RUNE EQUIVALENTS:
Ogham: – Birch. Beginnings, male and female on same flower, herald of spring. Rune: Odin The Unknowable (which is blank). Most beginnings mean starting with a ‘clean slate’.