Scientific Name: Blechnum Indicum
Common Name: Swamp Fern
Turrbal Name: Bang’wal (Petrie)
Toorbal Point Name: Tong-wun (Eipper)
Indigenous Use
Staple plant food that can be eaten all year round but best in the dry. The root was dug up by women and could be stored in the shade for a couple of days. In preparing, the roots were dried in the sun, then lightly roasted to removed the hair rootlets, then peeled with the fingernails, then chopped to be break the long fibres which run through the roots. After chopping it was mixed with water and rounded into a lump for cooking. At Toorbul Point the cooked cakes were called Dingowa.
When to Use
The roots are available all year round.
Identification
Fronds: The fronds of Blechnum indicum are typically dark green and can grow up to 1.5 meters in length. They are divided into numerous narrow leaflets, giving the fern a feathery appearance. The young fronds often have a reddish tint before maturing to green (Australian National Herbarium, 2024; Queensland Government, 2024).
Stems: The stems are short and stout, often forming a creeping rhizome that helps the plant spread across wet areas. These rhizomes are crucial for the fern’s propagation and survival in its wetland habitat (Australian National Herbarium, 2024).
Spores: Blechnum indicum reproduces via spores, which are produced on the underside of the fronds in small clusters called sori. These sori are typically arranged in rows along the leaflets, a characteristic feature of this species (Queensland Government, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Freshwater Wetlands: Freshwater wetlands are ecosystems where freshwater accumulates in substantial quantities, creating habitats that support diverse plant and animal life. These wetlands can even occur in sand dunes, although those situated above the water table tend to dry out more frequently. Common vegetation in these wetlands includes reeds, sedges, and water lilies, as well as trees like Melaleuca (paperbark) and swamp box. Notable examples of extensive freshwater wetlands in South East Queensland include the Cooloola Wetlands, Pimpama Conservation Park, and Springbrook Plateau. These areas are vital for biodiversity, water purification, and flood control.
References
Australian National Herbarium, 2024. Blechnum indicum. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/online-resources/flora/stddisplay.xsql?pnid=39820 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Queensland Government, 2024. Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum). [online] Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/flora/blechnum-indicum.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian Plant Society, 2024. Blechnum indicum. [online] Available at: https://austplants.com.au/plant-profiles/blechnum-indicum/ [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, Glen, Muteroo: Plant use by Australian Aboriginal People. Eagleby South State School, Brisbane
Petrie, Constance, Tom Petrie’s Reminiscences of Early Queensland. Angus and Robertson, 1975, (facsmile of 1904 edition)
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.
Eipper, Christopher & Archive CD Books Australia. 2007, German mission to the Aborigines at Moreton Bay, 1841 [electronic resource] / [Christopher Eipper]. Archive CD Books Australia Modbury, S. Aust.