Indigenous presence and relationships with plants

We would like to strongly acknowledge the many indigenous people of The Top End region and that all of these plants have been used and eaten (along with many others not mentioned) for thousands of years and are still eaten today. Many plants are still an important food source and their abundance or access to them keeps culture strong. A ‘connection to country’ and being directly linked to the land and its elements is a huge part of this. Respect for this is important.

The plants we have included here are found in the northern region of the Northern Territory and can be found on Larrakia, Woolna, Tiwi, Wagiman, Jingili, Alawa, Yolngu, Jawoyn, Malak malak, Gunbalang, and Nakara land as well as in other areas.

Each plant has its own indigenous language name. There are many and so we don’t single out one region we have not included them. We encourage you to find out your local indigenous language used, to find knowledgeable elders if possible and connect to the useful plants through them.

Our amazing landscapes

The aim of this educational resource “Tropical Edible” is to highlight that our native northern landscapes are incredibly important and valuable. The beautiful landscapes are full of treasure in many forms, including some amazing “botanical beings” – otherwise known as plants, which are edible.

Plants have many functions and are useful to a whole array of animals, including humans. Trees that have hollows act as shelter for large birds or mammals and many plants have fruits which are eaten by animals, who in turn disperse the seed and allow new plants to grow. Humans are one of these animals who eat plant parts and also use plants as material for many purposes.

We have made this educational resource with the aim that it is used in schools and highlights the value of our natural world and the importance of looking after remnant vegetation (areas of plants that have never been cut down or removed by people on scale).

What “country” are you allowed on?

Although it is not obvious in the Northern Territory as there are not always fences, all the areas of land have official ownership or management by an organisation or a group of people or person.

You can’t just wander off into “bush” and harvest items unless you have permission for whoever manages the land.

Plant collecting “rules”

If you are harvesting from the wild to eat yourself, always remember that the plants need to regenerate and that other animals rely on these foods. For this reason do not take all the fruit, or if harvesting roots make sure there are other plants nearby to regenerate.

Care when eating plants you are not familiar with

If you are not familiar with particular plants you should not eat them.

Do not use this resource as a guide to go and find and eat plants. You should try and find someone knowledgeable to teach you about identifying edible plants before you consume any.

Remember that some plants look similar and some plants can be poisonous.

DISCLAIMER- We take no responsibility for anyone eating wild plants and harming themselves.

Photographic Use

All photographs used in this guide are copyright of Emma Lupin (Taste of the Top End) If you would like permission to use them please contact her at tasteofthetopend@gmail.com