A fragrant native shrub valued by Indigenous Australians for its aromatic leaves, which were burned to repel sandflies and cleanse camp areas. Used in teas, steam baths and medicinal smoke, the plant symbolised protection, clarity and wellbeing. Today Zieria remains prized for its citrus-scented foliage, pollinator-friendly flowers and role in healing gardens.

Indigenous Uses

1. Leaves – aromatic medicine

Zieria smithii has strongly aromatic, resinous leaves rich in oils similar to citrus, boronia and native “lemon-scented” plants.

Indigenous groups used the leaves for:

• headache relief (leaves crushed and inhaled)

• clearing sinuses through steam bathing

• calming nausea

• general cleansing of living spaces

• insect-repelling smoke

2. Smoke medicine & insect repellent

The leaves were burned to create a fragrant smoke that:

• kept mosquitoes and sandflies away

• sanitised campsites

• soothed sore muscles

• cleansed ceremonial areas

This is why the plant earned the name “Sandfly Bush.”

3. Infusions

Warm leaf infusions were used for:

• mild stomach upset

• cold symptoms

• relaxation

The tea is aromatic but gentle, similar to a citrus-herbal blend.

4. Practical uses

Branches and leaves were used for:

• placing under bedding for fragrance and insect deterrent

• lining coolamons for scent and preservation

• including in seasonal cleansing rituals

Stories, Culture & Interesting Lore

1. “The Plant That Keeps Trouble Away”

Zieria smithii was seen as a protector plant:

• protecting people from sandflies and biting insects

• protecting sleeping spaces

• protecting energetic and ceremonial areas through scent cleansing

Its aromatic smoke was believed to “chase away bad air.”

2. A plant of transitions

Burning Zieria marked:

• the end of a journey

• the start of a ceremony

• a return to camp

• a clearing after conflict or illness

In traditional knowledge, its scent “opens and closes” places safely.

3. A teacher of noticing small things

Zieria flowers are tiny but numerous. Elders used this plant to teach children:

• to pay attention to detail

• to recognise medicine even in small plants

• how scent reveals hidden qualities

4. A rain-and-wind indicator

Some communities observed the plant’s aroma intensifying:

• before storms

• during humidity changes

• on hot afternoon winds

This made it part of seasonal reading and weather lore.

Modern Uses

1. Aromatherapy & natural products

Leaves are used today for:

• essential oils

• anti-inflammatory balms

• herbal steam blends

• natural insect repellents

• botanical incense

The oil profile includes lemony terpenes, resinous notes, and citrus-like compounds.

2. Herbal teas

The leaves can be brewed for:

• soothing throat teas

• digestive calming

• aromatic relaxation blends

Often used in combination with lemon myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, or peppermint gum.

3. Landscaping

Zieria smithii is a beautiful shrub for native gardens:

• delicate white/pale pink flowers

• aromatic foliage

• tolerant of dry, rocky soils

• great for understory planting

• good for sensory gardens and bush tucker displays (herbal section)

4. Wildlife value

The flowers attract:

• native bees

• hoverflies

• small beetles

• butterflies

Its dense growth also shelters small birds and lizards.

5. Fire-wise planting

Zieria species often recover well after low-intensity burns and can form part of:

• fire-resilient landscapes

• bush regeneration projects

Ecological Importance

Pollinators

Tiny flowers are highly attractive to:

• native solitary bees

• wasps

• hoverflies

• small beetles

• nectar-feeding insects

Habitat

Shrub structure provides:

• refuge for skinks

• nesting material for small birds

• protection for ground-dwelling insects

Soil health

The plant stabilises:

• sandstone slopes

• coastal heathlands

• open forest soils

Zieria is often part of post-fire recolonisation in eucalypt woodlands.