GOING BUSH The native plant foods you can grow yourself

Treat finger lime to a good citrus plant food each season, depending on the type used

Goingbush

EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF AUSTRALIA’S NATIVE PLANT FOODS AND BE INSPIRED TO GROW THEM IN YOUR GARDEN 

Words TAMMY HUYNH

We all know that Australian native flora is built tough, but did you know it can be tasty, too? Native bush food plants (or ‘bush tucker’ plants) have been part of the First Nations diet and culture for millennia, and they’re now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. But you’ll struggle to find these culinary delights at your grocer! “To experience the flavours of ‘our backyard’, you need to grow them in your backyard,” says Mark Tucek of Tucker Bush (tuckerbush. com.au). It’s the easiest way to access a wonderful selection of edible goodies, and they’re great at attracting local fauna to the garden, too.

Nurture natives

To grow edible natives, good soil is key. “The soil should be well drained and enriched with plenty of organic matter,” says Samantha Martin, author of Bush Tukka Guide and founder of Tribal Voice Connections (facebook.com/ thebushtukkawoman). If growing in pots, Mark suggests using a premium potting mix; “It does not need to be native-specific, but a premium mix with good drainage and other additives will benefit plants in the long run.”

Your best bet for an easy-to-grow and thriving garden is to choose native edible plants that are suited to growing in your region. Once established, most will happily grow without too much fuss, but to encourage more robust growth and intense flavours, feed regularly. “Use a native-specific fertiliser throughout the growing season – liquid fertilisers are fast-acting and will help boost growth quickly,” explains Mark.

Here are 10 of our favourites. Note: due to seasonal availability, not all natives will be in stock in all stores all year round. 1 Midyim berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) A small shrub, 1m tall and 1.5m wide, with edible white-and-purple-speckled berries. Choose a spot in full sun or part shade with well-draining soil. Pick and eat berries when ripe. “They are great in fruit salads, muffins and smoothies,” says Samantha.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with bush flavours – use them as you would salt and pepper”

Macadamia nuts fall from the tree once mature

2Queensland Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens) Also known as ooray, this slendertrunked tree can reach up to 20m in the wild but remains much smaller (4-8m) in the garden. The blue-black plum fruit has bright red flesh that can be quite tart, so it’s often used in jams or preserves. Grows best in warm climates where it thrives in full sun, but prefers part shade when grown in subtropical and tropical zones. 3 Red back ginger (Alpinia caerulea) Lush green leaves, blue berries and rhizomes all taste of mild ginger. This perennial grows best in warm climates in part or full shade. Wrap seafood parcels in the leaves, enjoy the berries when ripe (but do not eat the seeds!) and use the rhizomes like ginger.

4Macadamia ‘Beaumont’

(M. integrifolia x M. tetraphylla)

This hybrid evergreen tree produces one of the world’s most-loved nuts and grows 5-10m tall and 4-6m wide. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Nuts start forming after four years.

5Old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) The silver-grey foliage on this shrub is highly ornamental, but the leaves are also perfect for imparting a strong salty flavour to salads and savoury dishes. It grows across various climates and is tolerant of most soil types. Once established, it is drought hardy.

6Geraldton wax ‘Jambinu Zest’ (Chamelaucium uncinatum) This variety was specially bred so both the leaves and flowers can be eaten – traditionally, only the leaves were used. Both have a zesty lemon flavour that can be added to desserts and savoury dishes. Find it in autumn, and plant in a spot in full sun or part shade with well-draining soil. 7 Finger lime (Citrus australasica) A large shrub or small tree (up to 6m tall) with stubby finger-like fruit filled with pearls of tangy lime juice. Branches are heavily thorned and make great nesting places. Grow in warm climates in full sun to part shade.

8Warrigal greens (Tetragonia tetragonioides) The perfect native spinach alternative with a fresh, grassy flavour and a mildly bitter aftertaste. “It’s absolutely delicious and is high in vitamin C and antioxidants,” says Samantha. It grows best in warm climates and prefers full sun to part shade. Plant in pots or garden beds. 

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9Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) The foliage of this beautiful shrub or small tree is widely used around the world. “The leaves are enjoyed in both savoury and sweet dishes, but it’s also a highly prized medicinal plant,” says Samantha Martin. “Indigenous people used it to soothe sores, boils and cuts.” Grows in warm, frost-free temperate zones and subtropical areas. Choose a spot in full sun with well-draining soil.

10Native lemon grass (Cymbopogon ambiguus) The fine leaves of this tussock-forming grass are wonderfully lemon scented and can be used in a variety of sweet or savoury dishes. It can grow up to 2m tall and prefers a spot with well-draining soil in full sun or part shade. Highly drought tolerant once established.

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Learn more about native lemon grass: bunnings.com.au/

how-to-grow-native-lemon-grass

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Improves soil

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1 Scotts ‘Osmocote’ native premium potting mix, $12.57/25L, I/N: 2961492. 2 Neutrog ‘Bush Tucker’ native fertiliser, $25.98/4kg, I/N: 0057432. 3 Birdies ‘Heritage’ 800mm x 800mm x 300mm timber raised garden bed, $85, I/N: 3321306 (plants not included). 4 Garden Basics organic compost, $3.98/25L ($7.48 in NT), I/N: 0274306. 5 Yates ‘Dynamic Lifter’ organic hose on soil improver and plant fertiliser, $12.98/2L, I/N: 2962154. 6 Finger lime tree in Tuscan Path ‘Stone Art’ 55cm x 45cm X-large egg pot in Rust, $112, I/N: 0044427 (plant sold separately). 7 Oreco ‘Sweet Garden’ organic sugar cane mulch, $16.50/26sqm, I/N: 2961137‡. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind...

n After applying fertiliser to edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. n If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. n Store all garden chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. n Some plants and their fruit are poisonous. Always do your research.

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