Australian native bush tucker plants
At the ASC we were taught about bush tucker by a great D'harawal woman, of the south Sydney region, Frances Bodkin, affectonately known to us as Aunty Fran. The asylum seekers so loved Aunty Fran that they dubbed her Queen of Australia! Here's a list of the plants she recommended, and that we eventually planted in the front garden with the help of a grant from the City of Sydney. We also list their medicinal qualities and uses. These were mainly local plants, so they all grow well in the Sydney region.
Latin name Common name Uses
Ficinia nodosa Knobby Grass Sedge used in dry creek bed.
Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla Leaves can be used to make tea. Traditional use is medicinal.
Hibbertia dentata Twining Guinea Flower Flowers attract pollinating insects. Yellow flowers, beautiful
Hibbertia scandens Golden Guinea Flower Fruits attract birds.
Juncus kraussii Sea Rush Rush used in dry creek bed.
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush White base of leaf stem is fibrous and
contains carbohydrates (remaining leaf used for rope and
weaving). Eaten raw. Flavours differ depending on location
and condition of plant. When harvested from healthy,
well-watered plants the stem base tastes like snow peas.
Seeds can be ground to make flour for cakes/pancakes.
Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark Large street tree. Has many uses. For culinary use, wrap food
for roasting (in ground under coals) or steaming or baking.
Imparts flavour. Bark has antibacterial properties. To harvest,
remove dry, crumbly outer bark – just enough to get to the
softer bark underneath that is more pliable and resembles filo
pastry.
Microcitrus australasica Finger Lime Delicious! Flesh is spherical cells that look like caviar.
Plectranthus parviflorus Plectranthus Flowers attract pollinating insects.
Poa labillardieri Tussock Grass Flowers attract pollinating insects.
Prostanthera incisa Mint Bush Used as a memory aid. Strongly aromatic leaves can be used in
curries and other bold flavoured dishes.
Prostanthera ovalifolia Mint Bush Used as a memory aid. Strongly aromatic leaves can be used in
curries and other bold flavoured dishes.
Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry Similar to introduced raspberries.
Scaevola albida Fan Flower Flowers attract pollinating insects.
Syzygium oleosum Blue Lillypilly Eat very ripe fruit raw, or pick early for jam.
Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach,
Warrigal Cabbage, Warrigal Greens Use like spinach. Contains oxalic acid so steaming is
recommended. Flavour differs according to location
(coastal/sandy is saltier, inland/clay is sweeter). ASC stock
seems particularly acidic, but makes great pesto. Pick at night.
Viola hederacea Native Violet Use flowers as an edible garnish.
Xanthorrhoea resinosa Grass Tree Nectar used to make a sweet drink. Gather nectar at dawn when
it is most abundant, before the birds and insects. Gently tap the
flower over a container – do not remove the flower.
Xerochrysum bracteatum Golden Everlasting Flowers attract pollinating insects.