Few ethnobiological studies have been conducted in temperate Global Biodiversity Hotspots, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. How have First Nations embraced exceptional richness in endemic plant species? Here, we summarise recently published work on eucalypts of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) and the ethnobotanical understanding of them arising from 75,000 years of occupation by Noongar First Nations people.
The SWAFR has the greatest concentration of eucalypts on the planet, with approximately 350 taxa, half endemic to the Region. Noongar people use eucalypts to identify their boodjar (Country). They recognise those species with white leaves that shine at night to be of special cultural importance. Giant eucalypts in the highest rainfall country of the south coast are regarded by Merningar Noongar people (Lynette Knapp's ancestors) as the trees that gave birth to the granite rocks for which the SWAFR is famous. Red tingles become hollow-butted to create basal cavities occupied by spirit people. Merningar Noongars create water bowls from Corymbia calophylla trees at human height over generations that are known as gnamma boorna. These are used for medicinal waters and the trees form lines demarcating songlines. Spears and boomerangs are routinely fashioned from smaller eucalypts manipulated to the right size and shape with fire. Very slender spears appear as Eucalyptus sepulcralis in Knapp family Merningar stories of the Fitzgerald River National Park. Other trees demarcate proper Noongar Country, where male warriors were subject to two sets of lore - coastal and inland. Many other uses and stories of the rich eucalypt flora highlight exceptional attention to place and species. Noongars cared for narrow endemic eucalypts confined to kaart (hilltops) receiving special attention that ensured their persistence to the present day. This richness in cultural practice appears unique in the ethnobotany of Australian Aboriginal people.