The Craig Bowden Endemic Flora Trail – Zamia Palm
Common Name: Zamia Palm
Indigenous names: Baian / Djiriji/ Jeeriji/ Quinnin
Scientific name: Macrozamia riedlei
Conservation status: Not Threatened
Key features: 0.5-3m high, small, usually trunkless. Leaves few, glossy, flat or keeled, narrow leaflets. Short seed cones. Flowers: (Sep to Oct).
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: Seeds are toxic (can cause violent illness) unless treated to remove the toxins. Ground up raw seeds were used to stun fish in order to help catch them. The ‘woolly’ material found around the base of fronds was used to make fire tinder and as an absorbent for personal hygienic purposes.
Modern uses: Ornamental plant used in garden arrangements
References
WA government dbca
https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/85
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)