The research aimed to understand the sustainability of bush produce systems. Methods included semi-structured interview and harvesting trips. It was found that central Australian Aboriginal people see their knowledge as critical to short and long-term sustainability. Inter-generational knowledge transfer and respect from non-indigenous people were important. Plant species sit within a complex conceptual system interlinking people, country and Altyerr. Elements include species taxonomy, preparation techniques, skin classifications and Altyerr sites. We present examples for common bush food species. In comparing desert Aboriginal and scientific knowledge, we conclude there are certain equivalents but also strong contrasts especially the ontology of each.