Sambucus gaudichaudiana, or native elderberry, is a small, tender shrub reaching about 1 m in height, found in cool, damp forests in the Otways and south-eastern Australia. Belonging to the same genus as the European elderberry (S. nigra), its fruits are edible and can be easily collected or enjoyed by birds. The plant often dies back each season to a perennial rootstock and prefers a shady aspect, flowering mainly in late spring and summer. The name Sambucus is derived from the Greek word sambuke, referring to a musical instrument (likely a type of harp) traditionally made from European elderwood, while gaudichaudiana honours Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré, a renowned French botanist and pharmacist. You can buy native elderberry plants from the Shrub Club Community Nursery. If you’d like to learn more about local native plants, the Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) runs a weekly plant walk over the summer, usually departing from the office at 69 Nelson St at 2:30 pm each Tuesday.
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SOLN acknowledges the Gadubanud as the Traditional Owners of the country on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders.