10.5- First Nations

• Cool burning has many features that contribute to land management:

  • It occurs early in the dry season, before temperatures reach their annual peak.
  • Reducing the fuel load of the area ensures that if a fire comes through later in the season, the ferocity of the fire is reduced, resulting in less damage to the ecosystem.
  • It stimulates new growth, as some plants, such as eucalypts, rely on fire to germinate their seeds (see topic 9).
• What is the scientific name of tea tree oil?

  Melaleuca alternifolia
• What properties does tea tree oil possess?

  Antiseptic and antifungal properties
• How can tea tree oil be used on wounds?

  The leaves can be crushed and applied as a paste to wounds
• What is the scientific name for eucalyptus oil?

  Eucalyptus sp.
• What are the uses of eucalyptus oil?

  It is used for pain relief, fever, and chills
• What is the richest source of vitamin C in the world?

  Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
• What is a major source of food from the Kakadu plum?


  The plums themselves are a major source of food
• What is the scientific name of desert mushrooms?

  Pycnoporus sp.
• What condition can desert mushrooms help cure?

  They can cure a sore mouth or lips
• How can desert mushrooms be used for infants?


  They can be used as an infant teething ring
• What is the scientific name of emu bush?

  Eremophila sp.
• How is emu bush used in medical applications?

  It is used to wash sores and cuts
• What research is being undertaken regarding emu bush?

  Research is being conducted to see if it can be used for sterilizing implants
• What is the common name for witchetty grub?

  Witjuti grub
• How can witchetty grub be used for skin treatment?


  It may be crushed into a paste to help heal burns and soothe skin
• What is the scientific name of snake vine?

  Tinospora smilacina
• What conditions can crushed snake vine treat?


  It can be used to treat headaches and is an effective anti-inflammatory
• How is itchy skin treated using sandpaper fig and stinking passionflower?

  • Crush the leaves of the sandpaper fig
  • Soak them in water
  • Place them on the itchy area until bleeding
  • Smear pulped fruit of the stinking passionflower over the itchy area
• What are the scientific names of kangaroo apple?

  Solanum laciniatum and S. aviculare
• What useful compound does the fruit of kangaroo apple contain?

  The fruit contains a steroid that is useful to relieve swollen joints
• What is the scientific name of goat's foot?

  Ipomoea pes-caprae
• What condition can goat's foot provide pain relief for?

  It provides pain relief from stingray stings
• How is goat's foot used for pain relief?

  The leaves are crushed and heated, then applied directly