6 BUSH FOODS to grow at home
1
Native wintercress (Barbarea australis) is an endemic species that grows along riverbanks in central Tasmania and belongs to the family Brassicaceae, making it a relative of kale, broccoli and cabbage. It’s a superb substitute for peppery rocket, as the foliage has a similar tangy flavour. It also contributes valuable vitamins, minerals and fibre to your diet. Native wintercress is easily grown from seed (like rocket) in a fertile, sunny, well-drained position, as an annual or short-lived perennial.
2
Tasmanian strawberry pine (Microcachrys tetragona) is a ground-covering, woody, perennial conifer with dark green, linear foliage from the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Propagated from seed, it likes full sun, good drainage and a cool climate. Its red fruit have a pine-like flavour, and resemble miniature strawberries.
3
Flinders Island celery (Apium
insulare, pictured) and sea celery (A. prostratum) are two perennial native species that are close relatives of celery (A. graveolens). Both of these Tasmanian celery species are easy to grow from seed in a fertile, sunny, well-drained spot, which would also suit their exotic cousin. The stems can be used as a celery substitute, while the foliage can be used in salads, soups and as a garnish, like you’d use their other exotic cousin, parsley.
4
Round-leaf mint bush
(Prostanthera rotundifolia) is a relatively short-lived, woody, perennial shrub that grows to about 2m high and 1m wide. It prefers a sheltered position with filtered sunlight and likes very good drainage. The plant’s spectacular display of mauve flowers complements its deep green, highly aromatic foliage, which can be used as a culinary herb.
5
River mint (Mentha australis) is a soft-wooded, perennial herb that suckers profusely from its creeping below-ground stems. It grows best in moist soils with filtered sunlight, which are similar conditions to its wild habitat along rivers and creeks in Tasmania. The plant’s dark green foliage is highly aromatic and imparts a strong, minty flavour. It can be used in the same culinary applications as mint plants from other parts of the world.
6
Bower spinach (Tetragonia
implexicoma) is a climbing, herbaceous plant that can be found festooning trees, shrubs and sand dunes in coastal areas of Tasmania. It grows best in full sun, requires good drainage and is highly drought tolerant. The young shoots of this plant are used in the same way as spinach, but they should be blanched or boiled to remove the oxalic acid before consuming.