30 July 2024
Eben van Tonder

Introduction

I was contacted by Frank Farrell from Australia, who alerted me to the existence of a plant that naturally accumulates nitrate, known as the nitre bush or salty grapes. Nitraria billardierei, commonly known as the nitre bush, is a plant native to the arid regions of Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Renowned for its unique ability to accumulate salts, including potassium nitrate (saltpetre), this plant has historically played a significant role in the traditional practices of Indigenous peoples across these regions. Here I explore the historical existence, cultural significance, and traditional uses of the nitre bush among Indigenous communities in these areas. The nitre bush is distinct from “salt bush” which I discuss in another article from 2019, Salt Bush, which belongs to the genus Atriplex. In my work in meat science, I have always been fascinated by sources of nitrate!

Botanical Characteristics

The nitre bush belongs to the family Nitrariaceae and is well-adapted to thrive in saline and arid environments. It is a hardy shrub, typically growing up to two meters in height, with small, succulent leaves that can withstand extreme conditions. The plant produces small, berry-like fruits often referred to as “salty grapes” due to their distinctive salty taste. These fruits, along with the leaves and other plant tissues, accumulate various salts, including potassium nitrate, making the plant notable for its unique chemical properties.

Traditional Uses and Cultural Significance

The nitre bush has been utilized by Indigenous peoples in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand for a variety of purposes:

1. Traditional Medicine: In Australia, Indigenous Australians have used various parts of the nitre bush for medicinal purposes. The plant’s high salt content and other bioactive compounds were believed to possess healing properties.

• Alleviating Digestive Issues: The ingestion of nitre bush components may have helped alleviate digestive problems due to the plant’s saline content and potential antimicrobial properties. The salts could promote hydration and electrolyte balance, which are crucial for maintaining healthy digestive function. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of potassium nitrate could aid in reducing harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, potentially alleviating symptoms of indigestion and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
• Treating Skin Ailments: The nitre bush may have been used to treat skin ailments by utilizing its high salt content and potential antiseptic properties. Salts are known to have drying and preservative effects, which can be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as infections, rashes, or minor wounds. The application of the plant’s extracts or crushed leaves might have helped cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

2. Food Source: The fruits of the nitre bush, known as “salty grapes,” were sometimes consumed by Indigenous peoples, despite their strong salty taste. In times of scarcity, these fruits provided a supplementary food source. The plant’s leaves and fruits could also be used to flavor foods, capitalizing on their natural saltiness.

3. Ceremonial and Ritual Use: The nitre bush held a special place in the ceremonial and ritual practices of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Aboriginal Australians and the San people of Southern Africa.

• Aboriginal Australians: In Aboriginal Australian cultures, the nitre bush was used in purification ceremonies. The plant’s extracts or ash might be sprinkled around ceremonial sites or used in personal cleansing rituals to ward off negative energies and impurities. The high salt content was believed to have purifying properties, which made it suitable for such practices.
• San People: Among the San people, the nitre bush was utilized in rituals for protection and blessing. The plant’s hardy nature and ability to thrive in harsh conditions symbolized resilience and strength. This symbolism was invoked in rituals meant to protect individuals or communities from harm. The plant’s presence in these rituals highlighted its perceived spiritual potency.

4. Soil Reclamation and Environmental Management: In South Africa and New Zealand, the nitre bush’s ability to thrive in saline environments has made it a candidate for soil reclamation projects. Indigenous peoples, particularly in New Zealand, have historically recognized the ecological benefits of native plants like the nitre bush in maintaining soil health and biodiversity.

5. Use by the San (Bushmen): The San people, indigenous to Southern Africa, have historically used various native plants for sustenance and medicinal purposes. The nitre bush was part of their knowledge of edible and medicinal flora. The plant’s high salt content made it useful in their diet, especially during periods when other salt sources were scarce. The leaves and fruits were consumed, providing essential nutrients and electrolytes. Furthermore, the San used the plant in their traditional medicine, leveraging its properties to treat certain ailments.

Distribution in South Africa

In South Africa, the nitre bush is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly within the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. It thrives in saline and alkaline soils, which are common in these areas. Specific regions where the nitre bush can be found include:

1. Namaqualand: Known for its arid climate and saline soils, Namaqualand is an ideal habitat for the nitre bush. The area is characterized by diverse succulent flora, including the nitre bush.
2. Richtersveld: Located in the Northern Cape, this mountainous desert region supports a variety of hardy, drought-resistant plants, including the nitre bush. The Richtersveld is recognized for its biodiversity and high number of endemic species.
3. Kalahari Desert: Although primarily known for its sandy dunes, the Kalahari also features saline pans where the nitre bush can occasionally be found.

Conclusion

Nitraria billardierei, the nitre bush, represents an intriguing component of the natural and cultural heritage of Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Its unique properties, including the natural accumulation of potassium nitrate, have made it a valuable resource in traditional medicine, food practices, and environmental management. The plant’s ceremonial and ritualistic uses highlight its cultural significance, symbolizing protection, purification, resilience, and transformation. Understanding and preserving the historical and cultural context in which the nitre bush has been used is crucial, given its potential for broader applications.

The story of the nitre bush is a testament to the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of Indigenous peoples and their deep connection to the natural world. As we continue to explore and document these traditional practices, the nitre bush may yet reveal further insights into sustainable living and natural resource management. The ongoing interest in this plant underscores the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and respecting the cultural significance of native plants.

References

1. Clarke, Philip A. Aboriginal People and Their Plants. Rosenberg Publishing, 2007. (For uses by Aboriginal Australians)
2. Low, Tim. Wild Herbs of Australia and New Zealand. Angus & Robertson, 1991. (General ethnobotanical information)
3. Elphick, Richard. The Khoisan Peoples of South Africa: A Select Bibliography. Scarecrow Press, 1977. (For uses by the San people)
4. Van Wyk, Ben-Erik, and Gericke, Nigel. People’s Plants: A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa. Briza Publications, 2000. (Information on traditional medicine and diet)
5. Deacon, Janette, and Deacon, Hilary. Human Beginnings in South Africa: Uncovering the Secrets of the Stone Age. David Philip Publishers, 1999. (Distribution and environmental management in South Africa)
6. Moerman, Daniel E. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998. (Ethnobotanical uses and ceremonial practices)
7. Van Tonder, Eben. “The Salt Bush.” Earthworm Express. Link to article. (Discussion on salt bush and its distinction from nitre bush)