Native Ginger

Listener discretion advised: this clip contains a reference to the cultural practice of eating dog, which some listeners may find distressing.

In this moment, we’re introduced to native Australian ginger, Alpinia caerulea, often called blue ginger. My grandfather shares a memory of an Indonesian man he worked with years ago, who told him how this plant can be traditionally eaten.

It’s a complex moment that speaks to cultural differences and the way plants carry stories across borders and generations. The ginger itself is vibrant and resilient, thriving in the undergrowth. It reminds us that plants are more than just part of the landscape, they’re lived experiences, and often carry unexpected histories.