A soft, aromatic creekside herb traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for gentle teas, flavouring foods, soothing colds, and freshening camp spaces. Its mint-like scent made it a calming and protective plant. Growing naturally along rainforest streams and waterfall edges, it helps stabilise soil, attract pollinators, and enrich sensory bush-tucker gardens.

Indigenous Uses

1. Aromatic leaves – traditional food flavouring

Indigenous Australians used aromatic Coleus/Plectranthus leaves as a mild bush seasoning.

Leaves were:

• Crushed and added to cooking bundles

• Mixed with meats and fish before steaming

• Rubbed onto hot stones to release aroma

• Added to water as a light herbal drink

Flavour profile: herbaceous • mint-like • earthy • slightly camphoraceous

2. Medicinal uses – a gentle bush remedy

Several Coleus/Plectranthus species, including C. torrenticola, were used for:

• Respiratory congestion(crushed leaves inhaled or infused)

• Digestive discomfort(leaf teas)

• Mild headaches

• Cleansing washes

• Calming cranky children(aromatic leaves placed near bedding or rubbed on hands)

The plant was seen as a light, safe, everyday medicine.

3. Leaves used for general camp utility

Crushed leaves acted as:

• Natural deodoriser

• Insect-repelling foliage

• Freshening bedding and clothing baskets

• Soft aromatic lining for coolamons.

4. Edible in moderation

Younger leaves were occasionally eaten:

• Raw as small greens

• With other plants in mixed foraging bundles

Not a staple, but a pleasant aromatic green.

Stories, Culture & Interesting Lore

1. “The water-following herb”

Coleus torrenticola grows:

• Along creek edges

• Near waterfalls

• Beside moist rocks

• In wet sclerophyll and rainforest margins

Because of this, it was known as a guide to clean water.

When travellers found the herb thick, it meant nearby:

• Permanent springs

• Good soaks

• Cool resting areas

2. A plant of calm and clarity

Its soft scent was associated with:

• Comfort

• Reducing stress

• Calming the body

• Refreshing the mind

Elders sometimes used it during teaching or storytelling sessions around camp.

3. A protective household plant

Because it repels insects, it symbolised protection, keeping:

• Mosquitoes

• Sandflies

• Ants

away from bedding and food areas.

4. A “child-friendly” plant

Coleus species were widely used in introducing children to:

• Safe aromatic plants

• Gentle bush medicines

• Respect for edible leaves

• The scents of the country

It is a soft gateway species in bush education.

Modern Uses

1. Herbal teas

Leaves are used to prepare:

• Mild aromatic teas

• Calming brews

• Digestive infusions

Taste: minty-herbal, earthy, soft.

2. Cooking & culinary use

The leaves work beautifully in:

• Soups

• Vegetable stews

• Herbal seasoning blends

• Native herb pestos

• Aromatic rubs for baked fish or chicken

Pairs well with lemon myrtle, chili, rosemary, pepperberry.

3. Landscaping – excellent groundcover

Coleus torrenticola is prized for:

• Spreading but tidy habit

• Lush, bright green foliage

• Tolerance of shade

• Loving moist, tropical settings

• Growing as a living mulch under trees

Excellent for eco-accommodation gardens and rainforest paths.

4. Aromatic sensory gardens

Perfect for:

• “Crush and smell” activities

• Kids’ sensory trails

• Bush-medicine demonstration gardens

• Creekside plantings

5. Pollinator support

Its small pale flowers attract:

• Native bees

• Hoverflies

• Tiny beetles

Great for boosting local insect diversity.

Ecological Importance

Habitat

Provides:

• Moisture retention around creek edges

• Shelter for ground insects

• Microhabitats for frogs and small lizards

Pollination

Flowers support:

• Small native bees

• Hoverflies

• Moths

Soil stabilisation

Root system helps:

• Hold creek banks

• Reduce erosion

• Keep soil moist and shaded

Fire ecology

• Sensitive to fire

• Recolonises from moist refuges

• Appears early in post-disturbance recovery along waterways.