Aboriginal names: Yangeti, Goorgoogoo

Scientific name: Typha spp.

Aboriginal uses:

• Yangeti was a staple food for Aboriginals in the Swan River area.


• Two species of bulrush are found in the Perth area, one native (Typha domingensis) and the other introduced (Typha orientalis)


• The starchy tubers were dug out from swamps where the plant was found.


• The root must be treated before it is eaten.


• The white horizontal rhizomes were pounded to remove the fibrous parts, then the paste moulded into cakes and roasted, tasting similar to asparagus.


• The centre of the stem is also edible at the base.


• Young flowering spikes can be eaten raw or cooked and served with butter as with corn on the cob. The hard centre of the spike is not edible.