Category: Bush food

An Introduction to Australian Bush Tucker

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NEW eBook with 52 easy to read bush food profiles I’ve just published my first eBook! It’s a collection of profiles with information like alternative names, growing conditions, history, cultural uses and edible uses. You can find it on Etsy or by clicking here you will receive a 10% discount until January 22, 2023! Here’s… Continue reading An Introduction to Australian Bush Tucker

Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea

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Plant Profile Also known as: Red Back Ginger (subspecies from the Atherton Tablelands) Growing Conditions: Shade, will tolerate part shade Moist, well-draining soil (tolerates sandy soil) Protect from frost Pots, garden beds, rockeries, gaps, narrow gardens, hedges, as a screening plant Flowers late Spring/Summer Fruits follow flowers in Summer/early Autumn Propagation root division – click… Continue reading Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea

Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer

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Plant Profile Did you know that Indigenous Australians have used this plant as a tea and medicine for thousands of years? It is known by many names: Hardenbergia violacea, False Sarsparilla, Purple Coral Pea, Wild Sarsparilla, Waraburra, Vine Lilac. This lovely vine clambers and wanders over anything in its path. It makes a great groundcover… Continue reading Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer

Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle

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Wattle or Acacia trees are iconic in Australia because of their golden blooms. This variety is just as striking as the Golden Wattle which is Australia’s floral emblem. Also known as: Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Fringed Brisbane Wattle Growing Conditions: Full Sun/Part Shade Protected positions Will tolerate most soils but prefers well-drained loamy soils Drought… Continue reading Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle

Plant Profile  – Wombat Berry

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Also known as: Eustrephus latifolius Orange Vine Growing conditions: Part shade/shade Tolerant of most soils Vine, gentle climber that doesn’t restrict the host Groundcover Suitable for pots, garden beds, rockeries, bush rehabilitation Suits hanging pots which allow the foliage to hang over the edges Propagation: Fresh Seeds, 54-368 days germination This plant is truly unique,… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Wombat Berry

Plant Profile  – Native Violet – Viola banksii

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Also known as: Viola hederacea (Not the same plant, as explained later) Australian Violet Growing conditions: Shade/part shade (some sources advocate full sun, but this plant has not survived in full sun in my garden) Tolerant of most soils but prefers moist site Will tolerate boggy sites Will tolerate light foot traffic Tolerant of light… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Violet – Viola banksii

Plant Profile  – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus

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This plant is a biodiversity hub in my garden.  A few moments of close observation on any given day reveals species galore. From the Eastern Sedge Frog family to Rainbow Lorikeets to countless insects, I am never disappointed. My children are also regularly drawn to the tree to gather and gobble the tiny sweet fruits… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus

Plant Profile  – Native Elderberry

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Sambucus australisica – Australia – Yellow Elderberry Also known as: Sambucus australasica Native Elderberry Yellow Elderberry Native Elder Growing conditions: Part shade/Shade Grows in most soils Prefers a moist location Propagation: Fresh seed in autumn subtropics/tropics Will need a cold frame in cooler climates Despite its preference for moist soil, this plant has been one… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Elderberry

Plant Profile – Warrigal Greens

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Also known as: Tetragonia tetragonoides New Zealand Spinach Botany Bay Spinach Sea Spinach Growing conditions: Full sun/Part shade Tolerant of most soils/prefers moist, well-drained loam Harvest regularly for best growth Perennial in tropics and subtropics/annual in cooler zones 20cm high and 200cm wide Suitable for garden beds and rockeries/good gap filler/living mulch/hanging pots Propagation: Soak… Continue reading Plant Profile – Warrigal Greens