Description: Part of the Rose family, there are three species of Wild Strawberries which are low plants with runners for vegetative production. The leaves are basal, long-stemmed and compound, having three coarsely toothed, equal-size leaflets. The flowers are white and have five petals. They are often 2cm across and there tend to be several per stem. The berries, when ripe, are soft and red.
Habitat: One species grows in rock crevices and sand near the ocean, while the other two grow in open woodlands and clearings.
Aboriginal Use: Wild Strawberries were picked by the buckets by Aboriginal groups until deer were introduced onto the island, which resulted in decreased amounts. The strawberries were mostly eaten fresh, though would also be used as a sweet tea.
Other Names: Seaside Strawberry, Tall Strawberry, Blue-leaf Strawberry.