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!
From Ancient delicacy to Modern superfood.
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Macadamia Nut (Macadamia species). For tens of thousands of years, First Nations people of Australia collected, traded and roasted these nuts on the East coast. They were called names such as Goomburra, Boombera, Gyndl and Kendal. From a nutritious oil with a high smoke point to a snack and baking… Continue reading From Ancient delicacy to Modern superfood.
The leaves are more popular than the figs!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Plentiful Fig (Ficus copiosa). Grown as a food crop in Papua New Guinea, this plant is also found in Northern Australia. The figs are edible, but bland. It is the leaves that are most often consumed, either raw or cooked. This fig is unusual in that it can be kept… Continue reading The leaves are more popular than the figs!
Greens on the seashore.
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Native Cabbage (Scaevola taccada). Native to coastal regions of Northern Australia and around the Pacific region, this plant has many medicinal uses. First Nations people use the juice from the flowers to treat sore eyes, tinea and sores. Stings and bites are treated with both the juice and sap from… Continue reading Greens on the seashore.
The easiest way to start cooking with Australian Bush Herbs!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Infusing Olive Oil with Australian Native Herbs. One of my favourite ways to use the native herbs from my garden is by infusing them in olive oil and it’s super easy! Today I used Native Thyme (Prostanthera incisa) — it’s perfect for lamb dishes as its flavour has minty notes to complement… Continue reading The easiest way to start cooking with Australian Bush Herbs!
Hibiscus-like flowers with delicious greens!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Sunset Muskmallow (Abelmoschus manihot). Also known as Queensland Greens, this plant is found in Australia’s tropics, though it covers a number of climate zones across the Asia-Pacific. At the limits of its distribution, it is annual, but it is perennial in some areas; preferring a climate that is humid with… Continue reading Hibiscus-like flowers with delicious greens!
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 