Corymbia calophyllaCommon name: Marri

Meaning of name: The meaning of the word Corymbia is not known. Calophylla is from the Greek words calos, meaning beautiful, and phyllon, meaning leaf.

Aboriginal name: Marri.

Aboriginal use: The resin was used to reduce bleeding from wounds, to treat upset stomachs and eczema,  and as a disinfectant. It was also used as an agent for tanning animal hides. The seeds were used to treat intestinal complaints. The leaves were used to relieve headaches, sinusitis and colds. An infusion of the flowers was used to make a refreshing drink.

Distribution: Occurs from Murchison River to Cape Riche.

Remarks: A tree to 40 metres tall. The white flowers are produced from January to May. This tree has distinctive seed capsules, commonly called ‘honkey-nuts’.

References: Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.

Noongar Bush Medicine, Medicinal Plants of the South-west of Western Australia. Vivienne Hansen & John Horsfall. 2016