Bush Tucker Garden
Welcome to our Bush Tucker Garden
Those native plants were traditionally used by Aboriginal people as food. Please respect Country and cultural knowledge when foraging or sharing information.
Aniseed Tree
Syzygium anisatum (common: Aniseed myrtle / aniseed tree)
This plant is a large rainforest tree that can grow as high as 45 metres. However, they can be easily maintained as a shrub or small tree in a garden. The leaves of the Aniseed Tree are 6 to 12 cm long with a rich aniseed aroma when crushed. The flowers are white and sweetly scented.
The leaves of the Aniseed Tree are edible. They have a distinct and pleasant aniseed-liquorice taste, which can be used in teas, drinks, syrups, glazes, cakes, biscuits, dressings, sauces and icecreams.
Midyim Berry
A common name: Midyim (various species in the Myrtaceae family)
This plant is a shrub that has small white, purple-speckled berries throughout late summer and early autumn. The berries taste sweet and tangy. Small white star-shaped flowers appear in early summer.
The berries of the Midyim Berry are edible. They have a sweet and tangy taste and may be eaten fresh or used in pies and preserves.
Old Man Saltbush
Atriplex nummularia (Old Man Saltbush)
This plant grows on low lying clay soils, like floodplains. It is very flood resistant and is planted to help control salt in soils. It is greyish green in colour and can grow up to 3 m tall and up to 5 m wide. The leaves are very high in protein, antioxidants and minerals.
The leaves and the seeds of the Old Man Saltbush are edible. The leaves are fleshy with a salty, herbal flavour and are very versatile. They can be used fresh in salads, or as a bed for roasting meats or fish. Also, the leaves dried and ground can be used as a seasoning, often as a substitute for salt.
Round Leaf Mint Bush
Prostanthera Rotundifolia (Round Leaf Mint Bush)
This plant is a bush that is usually 2 m tall and 1 m wide. They have round leaves and purple flowers in summer and spring. The oils found in Round Leaf Mint are used by Aboriginal people when they have a headache or cold.
The flowers of the Round Leaf Mint Bush are edible. They have a strong flavour that is ideal for adding to soups, dips and sauces. The flavour can also be used in drinks.
Tasmanian Mountain Pepper (Female)
Tasmannia Lanceolata (Tasmanian Mountain Pepper)
This plant is an evergreen shrub often used as a culinary spice. It can be found in Aboriginal cuisine as a food flavouring. It is medium sized, growing up to between 1 and 3 metres. The berries are dark blue to black in colour.
The leaves, berries and flowers of the Tasmanian Mountain Pepper are edible. The leaves and berries can be used fresh or dried to add a spicy, peppery flavour to curries, cheese, salad dressings and sauces. The flowers may be used in salads, or as a pretty, peppery garnish for a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
Small Leaved Lilly Pilly
Syzygium Luehmannii (Small Leaved Lilly Pilly)
This plant is a medium-sized coastal rainforest tree. They grow from 6 m to 10 m. The Lilly Pilly has small, glossy, lance-shaped leaves which are pink/red when young. Their cream coloured fluffy flowers are followed by bunches of small edible pink to red pear-shaped berries.
The berries of the Small Leaved Lilly Pilly are edible. They can be used to make tasty jams and syrups. The berries have a tart, cranberry-like flavour, with a hint of cloves and are a popular gourmet bush food.
Lemon Ironwood
Backhousia Citriodor (Lemon Ironwood)
This plant is a 3 m tall shrub. They have oval-shaped leaves that are 5 cm to 12 cm long. Lemon Myrtle symbolizes resilience and is used by Aborigines in medicines.
The leaves of the Lemon Ironwood are edible. They have a sweet and citrus taste. The leaves are used in cakes, syrups and teas.
