J.Adelaide Bot.Gard. 14(1): 1-65 (1991) ETHNOBOTANICAL FIELD NOTES FROM THE NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA MeECLONAL bE p N. M. Smith j , ¥ICToR) State Herbarium, Botanic Gardens, ~ 3 Nerang North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000 {VECTSY] Abstract . £ _. MIBRARY ae a ee Ethnobotanical notes from some 29 Aboriginal language groups in 8the*Northern Territory of Australia9 are reported. Information was collected during field studies between 1986 and 1989. Scientific and Aboriginal names, uses, localities and collection data are given for 318 taxa, representing 191 genera and 86 families. Introduction In the Northern Territory the recent increase in awareness of the importance of ethnobotanical studies has gone beyond simple anthropological interest. It has now been recognised that information on plant use is a very important part of our country's cultural heritage. However with the increasing dependence on European type foods, and the restriction of Aboriginal movement patterns, much of 8old time' plant uses are no longer actively practiced, and are today mostly only known by elderly Aboriginal people. In many instances the lack of dependence upon 8old time9 ways has brought about a reduction in the knowledge of these plant uses. I have used here the term 8old time9 for knowledge held by Aboriginal people prior to European contact. Many Aboriginal people fee] that culturally it is extremely important that this information be recorded while knowledgeable informants are still alive and before knowledge on 8old time' plant use further declines. Sadly, too much has been irretrievably lost. Despite a long term anthropological and botanical interest in the Northern Territory, dating back to last century, the literature on Aboriginal plant usage has been relatively poor. In Central Australia a number of papers by Cleland & Johnston (1933), Sweeny (1947), Cleland & Tindale (1959) and Cleland (1966) all covered Aboriginal plant use to varying extents. More recently Gould (1969), Silberbauer (1971), Peterson (1977, 1978), Henshall et al. (1980), Kalotas (1980), Latz (1982), O'Connell et al. (1983), Institute of Aboriginal Studies (1988) have added to the information available on 8old time' and contemporary Aboriginal plant use in Central Australia. In the tropical Northern Territory a recent succession of papers by Dunlop et al. (1976), Levitt (1981), Smyth & Von Sturmer (1981), Scarlett et al. (1982), Merlan & Rumsey (1982), Altman (1984), Chaloupka & Giuliani (1984), Galpagalpa (1984), Davis (1985), Russel-Smith (1985), Rose (1987), Aboriginal Communities of the Northern Territory (1988), Wightman & Smith (1989), Smith & Wightman (1990), Smith (in press), Wightman et al. (1991) have all made valuable contributions to the field of ethnobotany. Works prior to these have been lacking with the exception of Specht (1958) who covered a major part of Arnhem Land. In both areas there have been others who have collected or commented upon plant usage by Aboriginal people including school teachers, geologists, missionaries, botanists, healthworkers etc. Their information on the whole, however, has tended to be anecdotal and of limited use; Aboriginal people are generally described in their writings as having lived on yams, roots, seeds and fruits. A lot of the published works lack plant collection details such as accurate scientific names and/or voucher specimens. In the works reviewed very few cite any plant vouchers collected. N.M. Smith J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Little ethnobotanical work appears to have been carried out in areas where disruption to Aboriginal culture seems to be greatest. For instance, apart from Rose (1987) and Smith (in press) very little work has been carried out in the whole of the Victoria River District, where Aboriginal plant knowledge is fast disappearing. Moreover, ethnobotanical information has been collected in detail from only a handful of language groups throughout the Northern Territory, which is sad considering that over 30 different languages are widely spoken. There are many other Janguages which are spoken by only a few people. This paper will add to the growing body of ethnobotanical knowledge of old time9 and contemporary plant use by providing detailed studies from many different areas of the Northern Territory. It reports on a broad survey showing a range of Aboriginal plant uses from coastal areas, monsoonal vine thickets through to the more arid zones. It is hoped that this information will be useful to botanists, linguists and anthropologists enabling them to build on and improve the information available. Hopefully more ethnobotanical knowledge will be written down in the appropriate Aboriginal language in future making it more relevant to Aboriginal people themselves. Methodology The information presented was collected during the period 1986 to 1989 whilst the author was employed to document medicinal plant use for the Bush Medicines Project, Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services. The data on plant use was collected by the c ase study appro:a ch. Methodol=) ogy included a combination of interviews and both participant and non -participant observation. Data was collected mainly in the fi eld. The main sources of information were the older men and women who were genera lly considered by their own communities to be knowledgeable on Aboriginal plant use. As plants were encountered, field guides provided the information as they perceived it to be relevant; only data concerned with food, medicine and material culture have been incorporated into this paper. Plant uses that are not susceptible to incorporation in this manner, although concerned with Aboriginal cultural beliefs, have been omitted. The information was recorded in written form and on tape, and was later checked and transcribed by linguists and language consultants. As ethnobotanical data was acquired, the plant in question was collected, identified and preserved. Voucher specimens for all taxa collected are lodged at the Northern Territory Herbarium (DNA). Those plants listed below without voucher specimens were often growing in locations where collections were not ethically possible or they were large trees that were inaccessible. Botanical nomenclature follows that of Dunlop (1990) with subsequent taxonomic changes incorporated. Aboriginal Janguage and community names generally follow that of Black (1983). The orthographies follow those currently in use in the eras visited, which are often those being developed by the School of Australian paresis at Batchelor or the Summer Institute of Linguistics at Darwin. Language group undaries and community locations can be located in Figure 1. Observations Plant medicines Plz j : ; lants still play a very important role in the Aboriginal medical systems in the Northern N.M. Smith J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Melville Island U9 S(Mg 2 Sy DARWIN © {@famingining MeN Dhangu/Djan 7) Rembarmga LS Gaalpu) a (Ngalkbun) <h, - ans Se ae Gulin Gulin 108 Groote Eylanct Wadey . \ Aro Ani ndil akwa Murrinh-Patha _\ ard Ngankikurungkurr yy" Yanyula SQ J tee rere pd Borroldola ana r Sat rt eg G. <= 3 2 71 a a TjSm sFOLEASUTL vNVH G 47 T het ts tweed on haaiai nngstr eie Le gP rfi et J ees x Fey aVUuLSn = eg Ps ViO ce SS PoroePreeeeeadd a d pees a QU¢7Ea yE NSLAND PdipORlh= h t rosy ia fed shied ~, Soea o4s od Pte PH} eft tie,g i es purmgo e ase aha AU LL A Be eassarictinein itch Fig. 1: Location of communities and language groups used in the text. (Language groups adapted from Wurm & Hattori 1981) J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Ethnobotany from N.T. Territory today. They are however only one of the many forms of healing treatments available. Some of the others include the use of minerals, insect products, healing songs, the removal of foreign objects by knowledgeable people and western medicine available from health clinics and hospitals. The 164 plants utilised for their medicinal properties are listed in Appendix 1. Plant medicines utilized come from a wide range of habitat types. Within each habitat type, there is a range of medicinal plants available to treat most sickness. Hence in times of need it becomes unnecessary to travel further afield to collect effective medicines. The most common method of preparing medicines is by pounding or crushing fresh material then boiling in water. In 8olden times' before metal containers were available the plants would have been allowed to infuse in water in wooden bowls with perhaps hot stones added to help heat the water. The mixture is then drunk or used as a medicinal wash. Other common methods of preparation include crushing fresh material and inhaling the vapours, rubbing over the skin, direct application of sap onto the skin and the use of smoke as 4 healer and health promoter. It appears that actual quantities of plants used are not always critical. Often measurements were given as" about a handful9, 'a few leaves' or 8a branch will do9. Similarly the amounts of water used were given in rough amounts, e.g. 8about one billy can' or 8just a little water9. Of interest are the relatively large numbers of naturalised exotic species that are used as medicinal agents. These indicate that Aboriginal herbal medical systems are open to change and that people are still experimenting to find new and perhaps better cures. This report does not deny nor affirm the efficacy of any of the plants used as medicines. Analysis of some constituents has recently been carried out by Collins (1990) and Aboriginal Communities of the Northern Territory (1988). Plant foods The gathering of plant foods is still a very important economic activity in most Aboriginal communities. In townships and communities most bush foods provide a supplement to foods purchased from the local store. However, for short periods those people living oe outstations often have to rely upon their hunting and gathering skills for their survival. Most of the foods reported here are fruits as they require less preparation, often being eaten raw. Foods that are less commonly utilised today include those species that require elaborate preparation. For example the availability of commercially produced flour has decreased the necessity to grind the seeds of native species. The 148 species utilised as foods can be found listed in Appendix 2. Material culture In the Northern Territory a large number of species are still used for purposes other than for food or medicines: 101 of these are listed in Appendix 3. Apart from the use of material for ceremonial use, plants are gathered as raw materials for many purposes. Perhaps the most important is the collection of firewood. Most Aboriginal communities rely heavily on the burning of firewood for both cooking and heating. Many species can be utilised but most favoured seem to be the slow growing, denser hardwoods which produce a very hot fire, e.g. Acacia aneura var. aneura. ; J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991 Ethnobotany y from N.T. Many species are still collected for the manufacture of artefacts often for sale. Items include weapons such as shields, spears, woomeras ; ornaments such as carved animals, totem poles, bark paintings; and musical instruments such as digeridoos and clap sticks. Other commonly utilised plants include those gathered for making string, dyes and for tobacco. Field notes Of the vascular and non-vascular plants used by Aboriginal people 318 are listed alphabetically by botanical name below. Information given is ordered as follows: scientific name (italics), author, family, usage information, Aboriginal names (in bold face) with the language name in parentheses, location and collection numbers. The collectors initials NMS & GMW refer to N. M. Smith and G. M. Wightman respectively. An asterisk (*) denotes an introduced species. Fabaceae Abrus precatorius L. 1. The red and black seeds are used to make ornamental necklaces. Often referred to as bush beads. Miringirrwa (Batjamal & Emi) Belyuen NMS 824, NMS 1033; Yiringaning (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 3340 & NMS; ?(Tiwi) Nguiu. Acacia aneura F. Muell. ex Benth. var. aneura * Mimosaceae 1. The hard wood makes excellent weapons i.e. woomera (a broad throwing stick with a notch at one end for holding a spear, giving increased leverage in throwing), boomerangs and barbs/hooks for spears. The wood makes excellent firewood as it burns to a very hot fire. Branches are laid on the ground to protect cooked meat from spoilage in the sand, especially larger game such as emu and kangaroo. The seeds, once roasted on hot coals, are ground into a flour to make damper. WWeN The red brown sap sucking scale insects which abound on these trees release an edible sugary exudate (often called honey dew). This sweet liquid can be sucked directly or branches can be soaked in water to make a sweet drink. 6. Wasp galls or 'bush apples9 of around 2cm diameter are collected and eaten raw in the spring time. 7. The nests of the edible honey ant, Melophurus bagoti are often located deep under the ground near the base of these trees. 8. This species is often the host tree for edible mistletoe fruits i.e. Lysiana murrayi and Amyema maidenii. Wintalyaka (Yankunytjatjara) Ulpulla NMS 1164, NMS 1353. Acacia aneura F. Muell. ex Benth. var. latifolia J. Black Mimosaceae 1. The white powder covering this shrub is an excellent source of resin. The leafy branches are collected, laid out on bare ground or on sheets and threshed. The powder is then collected into a heap and melted into a ball for later use. The resin is used as a bonding agent to join spears, add barbs to spears, for plugging holes in wooden artefacts and more recently as a cement for repairing holes punctured in the petrol tanks of motor vehicles. : Minyura=tree, Kiti=resin (Yankunytjatjara) Ulpulla NMS 1372. N.M. Smith J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Acacia auriculiformis Cunn. ex Benth. : Mimosaceae . The burnt bark ashes are mixed with commercially available chewing tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, (this exotic species nowadays replaces the use of many native Nicotiana spp. as it is more readily available). The addition of ash frees the nicotine to make the tobacco more powerful (Watson 1983). - 8 2. Logs and branches are used to cook some species of toxic yams (i.e. Tacca leontopetaloides) to make them edible. Mankarra (Batjamal), Tji (Emi) Belyuen NMS 810. 3. The leaves are steeped in water and the liquid along with a few softened leaves is rubbed over the skin as a cleansing wash for cuts and bad sores. Gayparl (Burarra/Djinang) Maningrida NMS 683. 4. The leaves are crushed between stones and are thrown onto the surface of fresh water holes as a fish poison. Manyarrngark (Kunwinjku) Maningrida NMS 633. 5. The legumes are rubbed vigorously onto the skin, with a little water, to produce a rich lather used to relieve itchy skin. It is especially good for skin that has been affected by the irritant hairs of some stinging caterpillars. Kanawarra (Ngankikurungkurr) Nauiyu Nambiyu NMS 449, NMS 958. 6. This species is considered a good shady tree to camp under. Gaypal (Djambarrpuyngu/Gupapuyngu) Milingimbi, Manjimanji (Iwaidja) Minjilang GMW ? & NMS. Acacia estrophiolata F. Muell. Mimosaceae 1. The yellow inner bark is boiled in water and the liquid is used daily as a medicinal wash for open cuts, sores and as a treatment for scabies. A little of the root bark can also be added if desired. 2. The liquid, prepared as above, can also be splashed around the eye to help take away redness and relieve soreness. 3. This species is a source of an edible light coloured gummy exudate which is eaten raw as a Sweet. Athenge (Eastern Aranda) Ltyente Purte NMS 318. Acacia holosericea Cunn. ex G. Don Mimosaceae 1. The wood is strong and hard making an excellent hook on a woomera. Pawuya (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 931, NMS 955. 2. The leaves and pods are smashed and then thrown onto the surface of a fresh water hole to poison fish. The 'stunned' fish rise to the surface and can be easily collected and thrown onto the banks. Mangurla (Jingulu/Mudburra) Elliott NMS 689, NMS 987. 3. The fruits and in some cases the outer branchlets are rubbed with a little water to produce a rich soapy lather which is used to wash the hands, wash clothes and to clean itchy skin, especially if one has been stung by an insect. Mangurla (Jingulu/Mudburra) Elliott NMS 689, NMS 987.; (Jawony) Katherine NMS ?; Kanawarra (Ngankikurungkurr) Nauiyu Nambiyu NMS 232, NMS 450, NMS 959, 4. The seeds can be collected, ground on stones and made into a flour. The flour is made into a damper or flat bread, that is cooked on hot coals often protected or wrapped in large leaves such as those from Nymphaea macrosperma. Parrawi (Ngarinyman) Bulla. Acacia !k empeaannaa. F. Muell. Mimosaceae 1. This species is the favoured host of Xyleutes sp. (Order Lepidoptera) whose larvae 8witchetty grubs' develop in the roots of the shrub. The roots are dug up and the large J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Ethnobotany from N.T. grubs (up to 10cm long) are eaten raw or lightly roasted in the fire. They are highly sought after and are a staple diet of many women and children. Ilykuwara (Pitjantjatjara) Apatula NMS 1163; Ilykuwara (Yankunytjatjara) Ulpulla NMS 1352. Mimosaceae Acacia lysiphloia F. Muell. 1. The leaves and branches are heated over hot coals and then rubbed or held tightly over sore muscles and joints for pain relief. This is especially good when one has been out hunting or walking all day and the muscles are sore and tight. 2. The resinous leaves of this species are boiled in water and the liquid is used daily as a medicinal wash to help relieve colds and influenza. Nungkurrja (Jingulu) Elliott NMS 982; Mulurrmi (Mudburra) Elliott NMS 694; Pirrpung (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 1100, NMS 1116, NMS 1117. 3. Young children are 'smoked' or passed over a pit of smoking leaves and branches which have been mixed with a little termitaria(compacted particles forming the nest of termites) as a health promoter. This is an extremely important ritual in the management of health for infants. Nungkurrja (Jingulu) Elliott NMS 982; Mulurrmi (Mudburra) Elliott NMS 694. Acacia multisiliqua (Benth.) Maconochie Mimosaceae 1. The leaves are crushed in the hands and the vapours inhaled to relieve congested nasal passages associated with colds and influenza. Nowadays the leaves are9 often boiled in water and the steam that is given off is used in the same fashion. ? (Burarra) Maningrida NMS 519. Acacia oncinocarpa Benth. Mimosaceae 1. Asmall handful of leaves is boiled in water and the liquid is drunk to relieve bad chest infections such as tuberculosis. Muriningyi (Tiwi) Pularumpi NMS 1257. Mimosaceae Acacia pellita O. Schwarz 1. The fruits are rubbed over the skin with a little water to produce a cleansing lather. It is especially good for relieving itchy skin that has been affected by the irritant hairs of some 'stinging' caterpillars. Kanawarra (Ngankikurungkurr) Nauiyu Nambiyu NMS 448, NMS 957. Acacia spondylophylla F. Muell. Mimosaceae 1. One old man said the leaves were boiled in water and the liquid was sipped to provide relief from colds and influenza. (This information needs checking). Imaranka-imarangka (Pitjantjatjara) Kaltukatjara NMS 614. Acacia tetragonophylla F. Muell. Mimosaceae 1. The root bark can be used as a bandage for broken arms. Wrapped around the limb it aids in the healing process. 2. The root bark is crushed and boiled in water to produce an antiseptic wash for bad sores of the skin. 3. The pungent phyllodes are inserted around the base of a wart until bleeding starts, they are then removed. After 4-5 days the wart withers. Arlketyerre (Eastern Aranda) Alice Springs NMS 610; Wulka pulka (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara) Apatula NMS 1201. NM. Smith J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) ia victoriae Benth. 8 Mimosaceae Mens species is a host of Xyleutes whose larvae 'witchetty grubs' develop in the roots of the shrub. The root is dug up and the grubs are eaten raw or lightly roasted, often discarding the head. Minilyi (Jingulu), Mininmi (Mudburra) Elliott. Patiet Shee peas aia rdg rPegaorniii Ft.h e Mulealrlg.e trunks is u; sed to carve coolamons. 2. The old discarded staminal column from the flower is used as a paint brush. 3, Tlhigeh tlfyr uistasn daerde tuos erde mfoovre catrhvein ogust.e r Dsruarwfiacneg s ofa rseh orstc rlaitgchhte db roown n thhea irosu.t side which is then 4. Twihteha nas ilditetl e psiutghairo r to mafkreui ta itsh ierastt eqn uernawc hionr g ifd riit niks. a little hard it can be added to water 5 A little of the old dry pith in the fruit also settles an upset stomach, working like an antacid treatment. © Jamulang (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 766, NMS 906, NMS 1106. Aegialit* is annulata R. Br. Plumbaginaceae 1. The leaves are folded in half and are blown to produce a whistle sound. Widjber (Batjamal/Emi) Belyuen GMW 4528 & NMS. 2. Nouse recorded. Small shrub that grows on rocks near the water edge. Mungunmungun (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 700. Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco Myrsinaceae 1. Leaves are placed over hot coals to produce smoke; babies are held in this smoke to make them strong. 2. The wood is used to manufacture implements, such as axe handles and digging sticks. Derra (Emi) Belyuen NMS 813. *A gave sisalana Perrine Agavaceae The large leaves are squeezed to remove sap, stripped of thorns and dried in the sun. The mass of white fibre left is rolled and plied into a strong rope or string which is used to manufacture dilly bags. This species is not native and has no aboriginal name. The use was introduced to the Emi and Batjamal people by the Chinese early this century. (Pers. comm. Marjorie Bil Bil). It is possibly a native of Mexico where it is cultivated for fibre production (Gentry 1982). ? (Batjamal/Emi) Belyuen. *A gave Sp. Agavaceae 1. The fleshy stems are heated over a fire and the sap from the stems is placed into the ear to help reduce weeping and to relieve the pain of an ear-ache. This is not a native species and thus has no specific Aboriginal name. ? (Gaalpu/Kunwinjku) Warruwi NMS 142 & GMW. Alloteropsis semialata (R. Br.) A. Hitchc. Poaceae 1. The rhizomes are used to scoop out honey from wild bee nests. The honey is sucked off but the rhizome is not necessarily eaten. 2. The root is the favoured food of the kangaroo. Mbuka (Burarra) Maningrida NMS 534; Lawarr (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW3 46&8 NM S. J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Ethnobotany from N.T. 3. A grass like plant. No use given. Bijurrunku (Jingulu) Elliott. Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa (Fenz]) Benth. 1. The leaves are rubbed together with a little water to produce a skin cleansing lather. 2. In the past the bark has been used medicinally to treat aches and pains in the joints. Possibly it is no longer used today. Minjirrajirda (Burarra) Maningrida NMS 643; Gulu (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 4371 & NMS; Mitjirribya (Emi) Belyuen NMS 831, NMS 1039; ? (Iwaidja) Minjilang NMS 150 & GMW. Alstonia actinophylla (Cunn.) Schumann Apocynaceae 1. The trunks provide an excellent source of wood to make sea-going canoes. Tjentjek (Batjamal), Thender (Emi) Belyuen NMS 830. Araceae Amorphophallus galbra Bailey 1. The tuber is edible only after thorough pounding and cooking. If eaten raw it will "burn your mouth out.' Melngmelng (Batjamal), Mimi (Emi) Belyuen NMS 827, NMS 878; Luwiya (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 3349 & NMS, GMW 3449 & NMS. 2. A flowering specimen collected was reported as being poisonous (8devil plant9), even after preparation. Wurl wurl (Emi) Belyuen GMW 3449 & NMS. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicholson Araceae 1. The tuber is smashed and boiled in water and the liquid is used as a medicinal wash to treat general sickness of unknown causes. ? (Tiwi) Nguiu GMW 3579 & NMS. Vitaceae Ampelocissus acetosa (F. Muell.) Planchon 1. The fruits are eaten raw when ripe (black). They are considered a 'bit cheeky' or hot but are eaten with relish. Bertjerwungat (Batjamal), Kurrabiya (Emi) Belyuen NMS 838, NMS_ 1061; Wuluymung (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 3333 & NMS; ? (Malakmalak) Wooliana NMS 397; Mi mangkamurr (Murrinh-Patha) Wadeye NMS 498; Makurin (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 921; ? (Tiwi) Darwin NMS 1019. Vitaceae Ampelocissus frutescens Jackes 1. The fruits are eaten raw when ripe (black). Makulkul (Dalabon) Barunga NMS 353; ? Jawony) Katherine NMS 364. Amyema bifurcatum (Benth.) Tieghem Loranthaceae 1. The inner wood is boiled in water and the liquid is sipped to provide relief from bad colds. Use as often as required till cured. Jinirran (Jawony/Mayali) Gulin Gulin NMS 235. N.M. Smith J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14(1) (1991) Amyema maidenii (Blakely) Barlow ssp. maidenii Loranthaceae 1. The fruits are eaten raw when ripe, they are considered to be very sweet. Parka-parka (Yankunytjatjara) Ulpulla NMS 1356. Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Moraceae 1. The inner bark is pounded and dried, re-softened in the mouth and rolled between the palms into string. The string is often usedt o make dilly bags. Barrata (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 3476 & NMS. Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertner Euphorbiaceae 1. The fruits are eaten raw when ripe (red). ? (Dalabon) Barunga NMS 559; Warranuwa (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi GMW 3463 & NMS; ?Jawony) Katherine NMS 884; Pirliming (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 926. z Arenga australasica (H.H. Wendl. & Drude) S.T. Blake Arecaceae 1. The heart or growing tip of this palm can be eaten raw or after it has been lightly roasted on hot coals or boiled in water. 2. This palm has special significance to some people in the Maningrida area and by them is called the "wind dreaming tree". It has special powers that controls all strong winds, especially cyclones. An-jardarrk (Burarra) Maningrida GMW 3864 & NMS. Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa (F. Muell.) Craven Myrtaceae 1. Fresh young leaves (and sometimes a few roots) are boiled in water and the vapours inhaled and a little of the liquid sipped for relief from sore throats, bad coughs, colds and influenza. Use 2-3 times daily until cured. Mawilyaburna (Anindilyakwa) Angurugu NMS 212. 2. Fresh leaves are crushed in the hand and the vapours inhaled for relief from any sinus trouble. 3. Fresh leaves are used when cooking meats and vegetables as a herb flavouring. Yerrwupundudup (Ngankikurungkurr) Nauiyu Nambiyu NMS 444, NMS 1022, NMS 1349. Atalaya hemiglauca (F. Muell.) F. Muell. ex Benth. Sapindaceae 1. The leaves and branches are crushed between stones and thrown onto the surface of fresh water holes as a fish poison. The 'stunned' fish rise to the surface and can be easily collected and thrown onto the banks. Jakilirra (Jingulu) Elliott NMS ?; ? (Ngarinyman) Bulla NMS 1125. Avicennia marina (Forsskal) Vierh. Avicenniaceae 1. The thin green bark is placed directly on to stingray stings. Small pieces can also be chewed or perhaps softened and spat out onto the sting. Both methods help relieve the pain and help to heal the injury. Manyarr (Djambarrpuyngu) Milingimbi NMS 507 & GMW. 2. The dry old wood is burned on the fire. The black charcoal remains are mixed with sea water to form a paste which is applied to ringworm, boils, sores or any other skin condition. Use daily till cured. Manyarr (Yolngu Matha) Yirrkala NMS 214. 10