Grevillea nematophylla

F. Muell.

Water Bush, Silver-leaved Water Bush

Proteaceae Edible: Sap, Grubs 21 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Grevillea nematophylla, commonly known as water bush or silver-leaved water bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is shrub or small tree with simple or pinnatisect leaves, the leaves or lobes linear, and branched, cylindrical clusters of cream-coloured flowers.

Description

A medium sized shrub. It grows 2-10 m high and spreads 1.5-5 m wide. The young growth is hairy. The bark is dark grey and cracked along its length. The leaves are simple and 30 cm long by 0.2 cm wide. They have 3-10 angular lobes. The flowers are white, pink or cream. They have a scent. The fruit are 2.4 cm long by 1.4 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The sap can be extracted by cutting roots into short lengths and allowing water to drain out. Edible grubs are found in the roots.

Traditional Uses

The roots are cut into short lengths and the water allowed to drain out. The plant also has edible grubs in the roots.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The roots are traditionally cut into short lengths for water extraction purposes.

Distribution

It grows in arid and semiarid regions. It grows on stony soils. It needs full sun.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed take 30-70 days to germinate. It is best to prick the seed coat or soak seed in water.

Production

Plants can live for up to 30 years.

Notes

There are 250 Grevillea species.

Synonyms

Grevillea purdieana Diels

Also Known As

Burrum, Ilpara, Jarailpa, Ultukum

References (8)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 514
Boomsma, C.D., 1972, Native Tree of South Australia. Woods & Forests Department South Australia, Bulletin No.19. p 193
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 83
Holliday, I., 1989, A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Hamlyn. p 214
Latz, P.K., 1996, Bushfires and Bushtucker: Aboriginal plant use in Central Australia. IAD Press Alice Springs p 204

Show all 8 references

Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 168
Olde, P & Marriott, N., 1995, The Grevillea Book. Kangaroo Press. Vol 3. p 48
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 485