Aboriginal people gathered food rather than cultivating plants as we do, but they cared for plants, whose roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds provided them with much of their food – and their medicine.

Knowing they would return one day, a group would always leave healthy plants behind to ensure a sustainable food supply. They used burning off’ to encourage succulent young growth – both food for themselves and a lure for game animals.

Aborigines used plants for many other things. Plant fibres became string and baskets. Kelp was fashioned into containers for carrying water and honey. Tree bark became canoes and dishes. Weapons and digging tools were crafted from wood using shell and stone tools. And in the open forest behind the beach they built their windbreaks or shelters from pliable branches interwoven with bark or grass.

Illustrations:  State Library of Tasmania