Key Takeaways
- A new species of Australian bloodroot has been named Haemodorum collevatum, inspired by the humble backyard rotary clothesline.
- The plant’s branches splay nearly 90 degrees from its stalk, resembling the arms of a Hills hoist clothesline.
- Bloodroots are native perennials with underground tubers that can vary in color from orange to deep red.
- The plants have culturally important uses in First Nations cultures around Australia, including as a food source and dye.
- The discovery of the new species has taken the number of known bloodroot species up to 36, with most found in Australia and some in Papua New Guinea.
Introduction to Haemodorum collevatum
The field of taxonomy often draws inspiration from various sources when naming new species of plants or animals. Recently, a new species of Australian bloodroot has been named Haemodorum collevatum, inspired by the humble backyard rotary clothesline. The name is derived from the Latin words "collis," meaning hills, and "levatum," to lift up or hoist. The plant’s branches splay nearly 90 degrees from its stalk, resembling the arms of a Hills hoist clothesline, which was popularized after World War II.
Characteristics of Haemodorum collevatum
Systematic botanist Russell Barrett, from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, was instrumental in identifying the new species. He noted that the plant’s tall center flower and unusual branches stood out from other bloodroots. The majority of bloodroots have slender flower stalks clustered together, but Haemodorum collevatum has long spreading branches that come out at right angles. This unique characteristic is what led to its comparison to a Hills hoist clothesline. The plant is found around Sydney and Newcastle and is believed to be fairly common. Its flower has dark brownish petals, and the open flowers are in fruit.
The Discovery of New Bloodroot Species
The discovery of Haemodorum collevatum has led to the identification of two other new species of bloodroot in NSW. Initially, the three species were thought to be one undescribed species, Haemodorum planifolium, but they are actually four separate organisms. This discovery has taken the number of known bloodroot species up to 36, with most found in Australia and some in Papua New Guinea. University of Western Australia conservation biologist Stephen Hopper, who studies the plant family Haemodoraceae, commended the detective work of the scientists involved in identifying the new species.
What are Bloodroots?
Bloodroots are native perennials with underground tubers that can vary in color from orange to deep red. They have long stems that can shoot up to over a meter tall. The plants are found in various parts of Australia, with species in northern Australia having more colorful flowers, including bright reds, and attracting a wide variety of pollinators. In contrast, species found in southern Australia have dark brown or black colored petals that exclude most insects and birds, except for a pair of unique bees. These bees are strong and specialized, capable of prizing apart the petals and sepals to get to the nectar.
Cultural Importance of Bloodroots
The tubers of bloodroots have an array of uses in First Nations cultures around Australia. In northern Australia, they are used as a dye in practices such as basket making. In the southwest of WA, the tubers are a valued food source. Wardandi Bibbulmun woman and cultural tours operator Dale Tilbrook noted that the bulb can be eaten raw or pounded into a paste, and it has a beautiful red oil with a lovely hot flavor. The spice level of the plant depends on where it grows, with plants from different regions having distinct flavors and uses. Merningar Barduk Elder Lynette Knapp from Albany described the plant as a culturally significant food source, with the juices running from people’s mouths and coloring their faces red when eaten.
Conclusion
The discovery of Haemodorum collevatum and other new bloodroot species highlights the importance of continued research and exploration of Australia’s unique flora. The culturally significant uses of bloodroots in First Nations cultures around Australia demonstrate the value of preserving and respecting indigenous knowledge and traditions. As scientists continue to study and learn more about these fascinating plants, we may uncover even more secrets about their unique characteristics and importance in the ecosystem.
