Lysiphyllum gilvum. Photo by Mark Marathon - wikicommons

Plants

The flora of the Dig Tree Reserve and the surrounding region of Nappa Merri station is of special significance to the Burke and Wills story; and of life-sustaining significance to the Aboriginal people who had lived in harmony in this harsh region for tens of millennia.

The explorers ate nardoo Marsilea drummondii, and the beans of the native bauhinia Lysiphyllum gilvum.

Both these species grow in the Dig Tree Reserve. They require special preparation before ingestion, skills well known to the Aboriginal people of this place.

Common nardoo, Marsilea dummondii. Photo by Casliber - wikicommons

Bauhinia Lysiphyllum gilvum pod. Photo by Mark Marathon - wikicommons