Hardenbergia violacea is one of many Australian healing plants. I learned about it during my PhD research when I was creating art with medicinal plants of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island in Queensland Australia, in consultations with members of the Quandamooka community.

I created this image with the plant's leaves and flower, using my biochrome process of image making, which fuses both: organic and photographic materials over several weeks. A collaboration with nature.

Hardenbergia violacea, also known as Native sarsaparilla, grows along South-East Queensland, and can be also found in other places in Australia.

This plant is reported to be a treatment for various diseases as a tonic. Flowers can be used for chest infections and to treat mouth ulcers; leaves were used for blood clearing.

More info about its uses is available from sources on bush tucker and medicinal plants publications, such as:

The Flora of North Stradbroke Island, by Kathy Stephens and Donovan Sharpe. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Herbarium, Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council, and Consolidated Rutile Limited, 2009.

Bush Tucker, Boomerangs & Bandages: Traditional Aboriginal Plant Use in the Border Rivers and Gwydir Catchment, by Michelle McKemey and Harry White. Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority. 2011.

This artwork is one of many I created during my PhD studio research. My Medicinal Plant Cycles series draws on natural science and extensive consultations and discussions with members of the Quandamooka community of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island in Queensland. The focus on Minjerribah medicinal plants aims to promote the recognition, appreciation, and value of local medicinal plants in the context of Aboriginal knowledge and natural science.