B is for Baumea rubiginosa

B is for Baumea rubiginosa. It’s worth repeating the heading because in my book, this is a superb fibre to work with. A long, dark green, round reed with a pointed tip and a pinky purple tinge to the base of the stem, this plant is strong, soft, flexible and beautiful. It’s a traditional Indigenous fibre which, according to recorded texts and remaining artifacts (dillies etc), was used mainly on Stradbroke Island and less frequently on the mainland from Richmond river of NSW to the Gympie area.
The fibre was plucked, drawn over hot coals, and a few days later, twined into cordage, coiled into baskets or looped into dilly bags. And thus the knowledge continues…

B is also for Brachychiton, Baloskion pallens, Burney vine, Beaucarnea recurvata and Banana… later.