This algae is very common in rockpools high up the shore, even managing to survive in the splash zone, out with the regular tidal range. Be careful as gutweed often thrives where enriched water reaches the shore – and by enriched, I mean with agricultural run-off or sewage! Gutweed is not so good to eat … Read more

banksii, also known as Neptune’s necklace, Neptune’s pearls, sea grapes, or bubbleweed) Hormosira is native to southeastern Australia (including Tasmania, lord howe island and norfolk island) and New Zealand. This seaweed as with many others is packed full of iodine, which aids in a healthy metabolism and healthy thyroid. It can drastically improve energy levels … Read more

A popular bramble fruit, blackberries are often picked in late summer to autumn to make jams, jellies and pies. Herbalists have recommended blackberry jelly, cordial or wine for its potent restorative powers. While Culpeper, who himself needs no introduction, praised the plant as a remedy for almost all ailments from wounds and ulcers to fevers … Read more

Hypochaeris radicata – also known as catsear, flatweed, cat’s-ear, hairy cat’s ear, or false dandelion – is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. The plant is native to Europe, but has also been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be an invasive weed. Suprisingly, the whole … Read more

The Kurrajong or Bottle tree as it is known in the United States (Brachychiton) is a tree which is native to eastern Australia. Its distribution ranges from Townsville in northern Queensland through to the north-east of Victoria. The tree’s name comes from languages found along the New South Wales south coast and the Sydney basin. … Read more

As winter warms to spring, a favorite weed of foragers starts to emerge in rather cute clumps—it’s hairy bittercress! It has actually been lurking near the surface all winter, having germinated in the fall and waited out the cold temperatures before sending up flowers and seeds. Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) leafs out in a basal … Read more

The three-cornered garlic is a plant that you can normally smell before you can see it. It also really loves wet areas and can often be found along creek edges. This is an upright herbaceous perennial plant. It grows from a bulb under the soil and can be seen in the Autumn and Winter months … Read more