Uluru is teeming with important plants that play a vital part in providing medicines, tools, and food.
The connection between Uluru and its traditional custodians plays a big part in the way plants are used in Uluru.
The traditional custodians of Uluru are the Aṉangu people. Aboriginal practices and uses of these plants are traditions that have been passed on for thousands of years.
Many different Australian desert plants grow within the desert biome in Uluru. They have adapted to survive the harsh desert conditions. The vegetation here is incredibly important for those who live here. Here are the different plants you can expect to see in Uluru, and what they are used for.
Desert Bloodwoods
Desert bloodwoods are very tall trees. The desert bloodwood is a species of eucalyptus. When the trunk is opened, it seeps out sticky red sap. This is how they got the Desert Bloodwood gets its name. This red sap is used in Aboriginal medicine – it’s applied to wounds and sores.
They’re the tallest trees that you’ll find in Uluru. Desert bloodwoods are cloaked in a rougher, thicker bark that protects the tree from bush fire. Its branches might drop during periods of harsh weather. This is so that the tree can conserve more energy to survive the harsh desert conditions.
These fallen branches can provide useful building materials when it comes to culinary objects! Due to their thick and durable bark, the wood can be made into useful bowls.
Desert Quandong
Growing up to 4 metres high, the Quandong are a camel’s favourite fruit! However, due to the vast number of camels in the area, there are fewer quandongs in the Northern Territory. The flora species is classed as ‘vulnerable.’
The fruit is nutrient-dense. They can be picked and eaten fresh, or the fruit can be harvested and cooked. Or, the kernels make a great conditioner for softening hair. Otherwise, it can be applied to dry skin conditions or bruises.
Desert Oak
The mighty desert oak grows to be a large, flat canopy in adulthood, but when they are babies, they look like little Christmas trees. They are covered in spiky bark, which helps cloak the tree in fire protection.
The oak seeds from the cone can be used for food – the seeds are edible, and they can also be cooked.
When the climate is warmer, their fluid is used for drinking. They can even make necklaces from oak leaves – and it makes an excellent, durable firestick. Once they are alight, they’re quite stubborn flames that don’t really
Honey Grevillea
This pretty bush produces yellowish green flowers that are suitable for attracting nectar-eating birds. This is a thick, honeyish nectar which is sucked directly from the flowers – it creates a syrupy cordial which can be drunk.
The honey grevillea are quite tough plants, and their colours attract insects that pollinate them. This plant has long, narrow leaves and they are all straggly.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.