Found in the coastal sand dunes across the Top End, right down the Queensland coast and around Perth and the Swan Valley, this tall graceful tree has small woody “oak-apples” from December to February.
The wispy leaves and sometimes the oak-apple were chewed as a thirst-quencher, their acidity activating the salivary glands. The roots have been known to yield drinkable water.
An infusion of inner bark was used as a mouth wash (not swallowed) to relieve sore throats and toothaches.