Native Flax (Linum marginale)

Native Flax (Linum marginale)

Native Flax can be found all over Australia except for the Northern Territory. Native Flax is found in open forests, woodlands and grassland habitats. It is an important plant for many Aboriginal peoples, Wurundjeri people strip the stems and beat them to free the fibre to make string for cord and fish nets. The oily, yellowish seeds are edible and can be collected in summer and autumn; they are similar to linseed with a nutty flavour. The Native Flax has blue flowers for most of the year, most prominent from September to May. Native Flax is both drought- and frost-resistant.

Soure: Indigenous plant use; A booklet on the medicinal, nutritional and technological use of indigenous plants; By Zena Cumpston; Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Hub in Melbourne 2020