A hardy heathland shrub with sweet, hidden berries traditionally gathered by Indigenous Australians by lifting the plant’s lower branches. These “under-bush fruits” were a seasonal delicacy for children and wildlife alike. The plant thrives in dry, sandy soils, supports birds and pollinators, and is a resilient early-succession species in fire-prone landscapes.

Indigenous Uses

1. Berries – a hidden but important bushfood

Acrotriche species, including A. aggregata, produce small dark purple–black berries hidden beneath the shrub’s dense branches.

Indigenous Australians:

• Gathered ripe berries by lifting the lower branches

• Ate them fresh, enjoying the sweet, grape-like flavour

• Sometimes mixed them with other small berries and fruits

• Considered them a bush treat, especially loved by children

Although small, the berries were dependable in heathland and dry woodland areas.

2. Light warm-up for flavour

In some regions, berries were:

• Slightly warmed near coals to soften and release flavour

• Mashed with other fruits for sweet pastes

• Added to water to make a simple berry infusion

Not a major food, but a valued seasonal bonus.

3. Stems for kindling & small tasks

Dry, resinous stems catch flame easily.

Used traditionally as:

• Quick-start kindling

• Fire-carrying sticks

• Bedding material to help elevate food above coals

4. Roots – occasional use

The plant’s wiry roots were sometimes used:

• In light tying tasks

• As scratch brushes for cleaning small tools

Stories, Culture & Interesting Lore

1. The “hidden berries of the low bush”

Acrotriche berries grow underneath the branches, earning nicknames like:

• “ground berries”

• “under-bush fruit”

• “secret berries”

Children were taught how to lift the skirt of the plant to find the ripe, dark fruits.

2. A plant of good fortune

Finding a shrub heavy with berries was seen as a sign of:

• Good seasonal rains

• Healthy country

• Presence of animals like bandicoots and wallabies nearby

The plant was a quiet indicator of abundance in otherwise tough heath landscapes.

3. A fire-linked species

Acrotriche often fruits heavily after fire.Some Elders described these berries as a gift of the renewing land, part of the cycle of regrowth.

4. A bird-following plant

Because many birds feed on the berries, people sometimes followed:

• Currawongs

• Wrens

• Thornbills

• Small fruit-eating birds

to locate berry-laden shrubs.

Modern Uses

1. Bushfood potential

While not yet commercially cultivated (due to small fruit size), Acrotriche aggregata berries can be used for:

• Native dessert garnishes

• Foraged fruit platters

• Mixed berry jams

• Natural colouring

• Herbal berry tea infusions

When ripe, their flavour is surprisingly sweet and pleasant.

2. Ornamental landscaping

The shrub is attractive and hardy:

• Dense green foliage

• Small white–cream clustered flowers

• Occasional deep-purple berries

• Excellent for native gardens, coastal areas, and heath-style landscapes

Popular for:

• Erosion control

• Drought-tolerant planting

• Wildlife-friendly gardens

• Understory plantings

3. Habitat restoration

Valuable for:

• Rebuilding heathlands

• Stabilising sandy soils

• Fire-affected bushland recovery

• Increasing biodiversity in dry ecosystems

Ecological Importance

Food for wildlife

Berries are eaten by:

• Small birds

• Possums

• Bandicoots

• Skinks

• Insects

These animals disperse the seeds and help maintain healthy understorey dynamics.

Pollinator support

Flowers attract:

• Small native bees

• Hoverflies

• Beetles

• Nocturnal moths

Fire ecology

• Adapted to frequent, low-intensity burns

• Regenerates strongly post-fire

• Helps repopulate nutrient-poor soils

• One of the early succession species in heath ecosystems

Soil health

Its deep root system:

• Anchors soil

• Prevents erosion

• Improves soil structure over time.