Ten Australian Bush Food Plants for Your Garden
A list of ten bush food plants that have thrived in my South-east Queensland garden.
Despite the general acceptance of Australia as a “barren” nation, there’s a plethora of Australian plants, suited to our environment and climate that can be grown in home gardens. This list includes ten plants of different habits that are Bush Tucker or Bush Food with a rich heritage in our sunburnt country. It makes sense to use native plants rather than their exotic cousins which can prove temperamental in our varying conditions. It was difficult to choose just ten species, but these are the ones that have been most rewarding in my garden rooms.
1. Tree or Hedge — Native Mulberry (Pipturus argenteus)
Topping the list is Australia’s Native Mulberry, also know as False Stinger or White Mulberry. This lovely tree grows quickly, can be used as an edible hedge and attracts all sorts of insects, amphibians and birds. It’s a hardy plant that prefers well-drained, moist soil, but will survive drought conditions with infrequent watering. The fruits are small, but sweet and juicy. It’s hard to get a substantial harvest but in my garden it fruits for around five months in Autumn and Winter. Children love to search the branches and gobble down the…
