Haemodorum Spicatum

Bloodroots are a relative of the kangaroo paw. The most common species in southwestern Australia is Haemodorum spicatum, drawn here. Most southern Australian species are coloured black above ground, mimicking the black sticks seen after wildfires. This characteristic renders these edible plants less susceptible to being consumed by animals. However, they retain the characteristic fiery red colours below ground in the leaf base and bulb.

Bloodroot was known as mean to the Minang Noongars from around Albany. Minang translates as ‘those who eat mean’. The bloodroots are significant to Noongar people as a source of spicy food, their bulbs eaten raw or cooked. In tropical Australia, Haemodorum species are also used as a dye for colouring baskets.

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Original pen and ink drawing printed onto 310gsm Canson Aquarelle Rag using archival inks and is signed by the artist, Phoebe Duff.

All Ancient Nectar prints are limited editions of 25 and are numbered in the bottom left corner.

*Please allow 2-3 weeks delivery time for limited edition items, as they are printed to order.