The Craig Bowden Endemic Flora Trail – Marri
Common name: Marri (Bloodwood/ Red gum)
Indigenous names: Marri / Kardan / Nandap / Balga-Marra in some dialects
Scientific name: Corymbia calophylla
Conservation status: Not Threatened
Key features: 40 -60m high. Bark is rough & tessellated. Flowers white/pink from (Dec to May). Wide / shallow root base. Fruits are brown and typical large gumnut shapes (also known as “honkey nuts”). Hollows for cockatoo nesting sites: hollow formation in Jarrah, Marri, Karri, Wandoo, Tuart and Salmon Gum is an incredibly slow process occurring when a branch or top of main trunk snaps off, or the tree is damaged by fire. Fungi and invertebrates such as termites and other insects then decompose and excavate the wood. Studies have shown that a tree needs to be about 209 years old before suitable hollows may appear.
Disclaimer: The following information has been collected from third party educational reference sources that were in themselves accumulated from a range of sources, including personal knowledge passed on by Indigenous elders. Although best endeavours have been made to produce an accurate account of the uses of this plant for both food and medicinal purposes, there is no claim as to the accuracy of this information. As such, we accept no responsibility for any inaccurate information and recommend that people wishing to collect or cultivate this plant for food or medicinal purposes for themselves, family or friends, should consult with elders and traditional healers who have knowledge of the plants in their area before doing so.
Traditional / Indigenous uses: Relief of stomach problems (seeds eaten), relief for sinus congestion (leaf vapour inhaled or leaves heated and applied to the chest), stopping bleeding (resin powder), treatment of blood disorders / disease (flower infusion drink), mouthwash and disinfectant (resin powder mixed with water), anti-inflammatory & treatment for eczema (resin powder mixed with water rubbed on skin), relief of respiratory complaints (smoke from leaves). The leaves of all eucalypts were used for: antibacterial (crushed leaves), relief for sinus congestion (vapours from crushed or steamed leaves), ointment for sores (ground gum).
Modern uses: Furniture and flooring. Oils from eucalypt species contain 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) which has antibacterial, cough suppressant, expectorant, nasal decongestant and respiratory anti-inflammatory properties. Other constituents of the oils have strong to mild antibacterial and some antifungal properties.
References
WA government dbca
https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/17104
Species information
Veteran and Stag Trees | Western Australian Museum
Traditional/ Indigenous uses information:
Noongar Bush Tucker: Bush Food Plants and Fungi of the South-West of W – UWA Publishing
Noongar Bush Medicine: Medicinal Plants of the South-west of Western A – UWA Publishing
This information was reviewed and certified by Christine Coyne & Associates (Aboriginal representative/advisor)