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Red Ash or Soap Bush

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Common Name: Red Ash/Soap Bush

Scientific Name: Alphitonia excelsa

Indigenous Use/Other
Produces new shoots which have a sarsaparilla odour when crushed. The crushed leaves and berries were used by Aborigines to stun fish. The crushed leaves in warm water helped relieve headaches and it is said that the leaves were applied to sore eyes. Young shoots were chewed to relieve stomach upset. The crushed leaves which contain saponin, can be used in water to produce bush soap.  Attracts birds.
 



Last reviewed 10 August 2023
Last updated 10 August 2023