Tetragonula hockingsi Journal The Bees Have Arrived: activate meliponiculture adventure! Day One of my Meliponiculture Journey 11:30am I saw the van and my heart leapt in excitement! The bees had finally arrived! I took the box, thanked the courier and took it to the front porch where it would be placed. With alarm I noticed… Continue reading Native Stingless Bee Hive
Category: Garden
Thyme Honey Myrtle: Melaleuca thymifolia
Forget the Thyme and go for the Honey! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Thyme Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca thymifolia). The small leaves that cover this variable shrub give it both parts of its common name (Thyme) and its scientific name (thymifolia or leaves that are like thyme). The Thyme-like leaves have a medicinal value like most… Continue reading Thyme Honey Myrtle: Melaleuca thymifolia
Native Oregano: Prostanthera rotundifolia
Whether you call it Native Mint or Native Oregano, you’ll call it delicious in butter! Native Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Prostanthera rotundifolia. This pretty, purple flowering, short-lived shrub is packed with volatile oils that are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Indigenous Australians used it to treat headaches and colds. The pungent smell is released at… Continue reading Native Oregano: Prostanthera rotundifolia
Australian Native Bees: A Photo Story
A Bee’s Life in Australia Photo a Day Challenge: Week 49 — November 11th to November 17th So what happens in a bee’s life? They’re fascinating little creatures. To be clear, I’m talking about Australian bees, not European Honey Bees. The feature photo shows an Australian social bee. Australia has more than 1700 species of bee, but very… Continue reading Australian Native Bees: A Photo Story
Queensland Nutmeg – Plant Profile
Our very own Nutmeg and Mace! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Queensland Nutmeg (Myristica globosa). Related to the “true” Nutmeg, this nutmeg is a little less pungent but can be used the same way. The red aril is a native Mace. This stunning rainforest tree is visited by Metallic Starlings (Aplonis metallica) in a gregarious,… Continue reading Queensland Nutmeg – Plant Profile
Bolwarra or Native Guava
Copper leaves and flowers from Gondwana. Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina). This tree is a survivor from the first flowering plants to appear on the supercontinent Gondwana. With flowers reliant on weevils from the Elleschodes genus for pollination, it is like many “primitive” plants that haven’t adapted to a variety of pollinators.… Continue reading Bolwarra or Native Guava
Strawberry Gum
The true Aussie Strawberry to enjoy with cream! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Strawberry Gum (Eucalyptus olida). This one is surprising as well as stunning. Strawberry Gums are majestic giants growing more than 30 metres (100 feet) tall. They are also rare, found in one small pocket of land in Northern New South Wales. After… Continue reading Strawberry Gum
Black Bean: Plant Profile
Nutritious seeds not recommended for consumption! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Black Bean Tree (Castanospermum australe). It’s a sad fact of Australia’s history that much of the culture of First Nations people has been lost due to government policies that separated people from their land and families. While it is known that many First Nations… Continue reading Black Bean: Plant Profile
Beer from the Bush: Wedge Leaf Hop Bush
Beer from the bush in Australia! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Wedge Leaf Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa). Before traditional brewing made its way to Australian shores, colonists brewed beer from the fruits of this bush. Of course, for thousands of years before that it had been used by First Nations people. Primarily a medicinal plant… Continue reading Beer from the Bush: Wedge Leaf Hop Bush
Leave the berries for the birds and relieve your cough with the leaves!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Bandicoot Berry (Leea novoguineensis). This luscious green pioneer plant produces flowers and berries all year long. The tiny nectar-rich flowers are enjoyed by honeyeaters and stingless bees before the development of gorgeous berries that the rainforest birds love. Aside from biodiversity benefits, the plant has many historical medicinal uses in… Continue reading Leave the berries for the birds and relieve your cough with the leaves!
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 