Scientific name: Haemodoraceae spp

Aboriginal uses:

• The bulbs of this plant, which has a mild onion-like flavour, were eaten either raw or roasted.
• The roasted blood-roots would also be used by pounding and blending with bland foods, to improve their flavour.


• In other parts of Australia this plant has been used by Aborigines as a dye.


• Plants of the family Haemodoraceae contain haemocorin which shows promise as a pharmaceutical, having both antitumour and antibacterial properties.


• The common name blood roots was the name used by Europeans because of the blood- red substance that oozed from the bulbs when cut.


• Flowers October to December