ASSOCUiTION OF SOCIETIES FOR mGAUSTRALIAN PLANTS.

AUSTRALIAN FOOD PLANTS STUDY GROUP. ISSN 0811 5362. NEWSLETTER NUMBER 3 6. JUNE 1999.

323 Philp Ave., Frenchville. Qld. 4701. 30/6/99. Dear Members and subscribers,

At the forefront of planning at the moment is the ASGAP Bienniel Conference to be held in Brisbane at the University of Queensland from 10 to 16 July, and the part our study group will play. Jan Sked has assembled a band of workers "on the spot" in Brisbane to set up the Study Group display, and cook for and organise the bush food afternoon tea tasting on Monday 12. Ann McHugh is busy making jams here in Rocky, and I have been putting the finishing touches to my presentation, and selecting the last of Eric Anderson's wonderful slides to illustrate it. All is in train for a successful event, so we hope things will go well.

We've dug out all the fruit from the depths of the freezers, and Ann has been making jam from Rubus probus, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Pl eiogynium timorense, Ficus racemosa, Syzygium australe, Podocarpus elatus, Dianella attraxis, jelly from Diploglottis australis and an experimental sauce for chili lovers from the Diploglottis as well, based on an Indian recipe. These will join the products of the Brisbane workers ready for the conference.

Although Rocky has received some scattered rain, we have had nothing-approachingthe heavy falls of the south east, and although the countryside is reasonably green for this time of year, the dams are not full and the creeks have not run properly if at all. It is quite disappointing when the rest of the state has been so well (if not over) watered.

May was Melaleuca month here. The huge white paper trunked trees of Melaleuca nervosa with their hanging ropes of green brushes dripping nectar on the ground (and anyone unwary enough to venture beneath) along the creeks; the columnar but still weeping M.leucadendra, spreading the boiled cabbage and honey smell of its cream brushes far and wide; the small straggly broadleaved trees of M-viridiflora, with brushes of colours from emerald green through pink and burgundy to a deep purple-brown; and a very floriferous large compact shrub of a lemon yellow ball flowered variety (M.nodosa?) on a Kerrigan Street footpath were daily sights as I drove to and from work. We've been notified that Fairhill Native Plants & botanic gardens at Yandina, north of Brisbane, are holding a Festival of Australian Plants on 24 and 25 July, which will take the form of a weekend of demonstrations, talks and garden walks.

Word has also been received from the Herb Society that the Seventh Australian Herb Conference will be held from 7-9 July 2000 in Townsville. The theme is "Tropical Pot Pourri" and the emphasis will be on tropical herbs and useful rainforest plants.

Information has also been received from Dr Wendy Seabrook regarding a proposed guide to organic restaurants and retailers, and instructions for listing your business in it free of charge.

Morinda citrifolia continues to appear in print all over the place - in fact, I think I'm being haunted by it! There is an interesting collection of articles in the first issue of "Quandong" for the year. I thought I'd reprint one of those that looks at its other uses besides food, and avoids some of the hype of the more sensational medicinal advertising claims proliferating in so many magazines at present. ("Quandong" is the magazine of the West Australian Nut and Tree Crop Association (Inc), and contains much of interest to our group. We are fortunate to be part of a reciprocal arrangement swapping publications and information with WANATCA)

A reminder that annual subscriptions of $5 are now due, and that it is a requirement of ASGAP that all active members of study groups should also be members of a state Region of the Society for Growing Australian Plants.

Regards,

Lenore Lindsay and Rockhampton SGAP.

E-mail : [email protected]

EDIBLE SPECIMENS TABLED AT MEETINGS:

26/3/99: A. salicina (seed), Dioscorea bulbifera (tuber), Syzygium wilsonii (fruit) , Themedra triandra (seed), Orthosiphon aristartus (medicinal).

23/4/99: Brachchiton discolor (seeds), assorted Eucalyptus and Corymbia flowers (nectar), Orthosiphon aristartus (medicinal). 28/5/99: Adansonia gregorii (fruit, seed, sap), ~cacialeptocarpa (gum, leaves medicinal), .Bursaria incana (medicinal), ~ardenbergia violacea (leaves as a tea). 25/6/99: Melaleuca viridiflora (nectar), assorted Grevillea spp (nectar), Pleiogynum timorense (fruit), Orthosiphon aristartus (medicinal). Geijera latifolia (medicinai), EXCURSIONS :

7/3/99: Kinka Creek, Capricorn Coast: Avicennia marina (seeds), Rhizophora stylosa (bark medicinal), Enchylaena tomentosa (fruit), Sarcocornia quinqueflora, Suaeda australis (leaves), ~cacia aulacocarpa (root), A. leptocarpa (gum), Banksia integrifolia (nectar), Clerodendrum fl oribundum (root) , Cupaniopsis anacardiodes ( fruit , Diospyros geminata ( fruit) , Dodonaea viscosa ssp burmanniana (seed capsules) , Euroschinus falcata (fruit), Exocarpus latifolius (fruit), Ficus opposita, F. sp (fruit, shoots), Lantana camara* (fruit), Melaleuca dealba ta (nectar), Myoporum acumina tum (fruit1, Planchonia careya (fruit) , Pouteria sericea (fruit), Livistona decipiens (palm cabbage), Cassytha filiformis (fruit), Passiflora foetida* (fruit), P. suberosa (fruit), Amyema sp. (fruit), Opuntia stricta (fruit, "pads") .

11/4/99: "Belbroughton" at Kunwarara, north of Rockhampton, to inspect a 1986 Greening Australia revegetation project: Mostly Eucalyptus and Casuarina spp. : Acacia bidwillii (root), A. salicina (seed), . Brachychiton australe - (seeds), Eucalyptus citriodora (leaves to flavour tea), Melaleuca leucadendra (nectar, useful bark).

9/5/99: Scrub Creek, Mt Larcom: Alectryon connatus, A.diversifolius (fruit), Austromyrtus bidwillii (fruit), Brachychiton bidwillii, B. rupestre (seeds, shoots, young roots, young wood, exudate) , Canthiurn coprosmoides (fruit), Capparis arborea (fruit), Carissa ovata (fruit), Citriobatus spinescens ( fruit) , Cupaniopsis anacardiodes (fruit), Diospyros geminata (fruit), Eustrephus latifolius (roots; fruit arils), Ficus opposita (fruit, shoots) , Geitonoplesium cymosum (shoot), Planchonella pohlmaniana (fruit), Pleiogynum timorense (fruit), Trophis scandens (fruit). ...

4/6/99: Bill and Dulcie Staceyfs property at Tanby: On his 2.5 acres, Bill has planted a wonderful assortment of both native and exotic fruit trees. Those in flower or fruit included: Acronychia acidula, Aidia racemosa, Buchanania arborescens, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Faradaya splendida, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Macadamia sp. (nut) , Melaleuca nervosa, Morinda citrifolia, Randia fi tzalanii (tasted horrible ! ) , Syzygium fibrosum, S. rubrimoll e, Teminalia arenicola (nut), Cananga odorata (source of Ylang Ylang and Macassar Oil).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

c/- PO Helidon. Q. 4344. 9/6/99.

Dear Lenore,

As you will recall I wrote to you inquiring where to find Antidesma bunius and Planchonella australis. Well I received your letter today and I thought that as I was oc my way to Toowoomba I would try Oliver Carter's nursery.

Well I am excited to say I found what I was looking for plus extra, so am writing to say thank you, as I might never have known of the existence of the nursery if you had not mentioned it! Oliver certainly has an AMAZING array of plants, and was very kind and helpful, and I shall certainly be visiting him again.

I am looking forward to further correspondence

Yours gratefully, J.Blatchly.

"Manna Nursery" - Toowoomba. Q. 4350. 3/5/99.

Dear Lenore,

Having read that Syzygium rubrimolle might be fruiting at Rockhampton, I was wondering if I could obtain seeds. I would also like to see and taste the fruit.

I am of course more than happy to pay packaging and postal costs plus some cost for the actual seeds. They need to be kept moist in (say) a plastic bag.

S.rubrimolle is not easy to propagate from cuttings though I do get some, most of which die the following spring. Even larger plants in 8", lo", even 12" & 14" tubs suddenly die back, or die completely, again usually after winter. Moisture over our longer and colder winter may be a cause. Chlorine in the city water supply might be another cause. Though I have had plants flowering for 3 or 4 years there has never been a fruit set! I believe chlorine is the reason for this. One plant each of 3 other Syzygium spp. are at present receiving tank water only and it seems all will produce fruits for the first time! I think the effects of chlorine may be less if plants are growing in the ground.

I intend to post separately a cutting grown plant of S.sp.Hinchinbrook Is. This one seems not to come true from seed.

When are you going to come by Toowoomba and drop in for a couple of hours to see what I do here? I would just love you to call and see !

I have been very sick but am somewhat better now. Hope you keep well. Regards,

Oliver Carter.

# The plant arrived in good condition ,has been potted out and seems to be doing well. I'd love to get to Toowoomba some time; from all accounts the nursery is fascinating, as our newest member has testified. (Ed) . Lindisfarne. TAS. 7015

Dear Lenore,

Thank you for the February newsletter. I was so glad that Kris Schaffer wrote in. I bought some of the plants listed in her article from Plants of Tasmania two years ago, so can give some feedback from someone who's grown them:

Climbing Blue Berry (Billardiera longifolia): Bought about 10 of these, planted in shady moist areas. All have grown well, most have yielded berries which were quite a decorative bright blue. The texture is indeed floury. However I did not find the fresh fruit "edible"; not at all sweet, no discernable flavour, left an unpleasant sensation in my mouth.

Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii): One small piece has spread rampantly both in shade and full sun. Cuttings now cover a bank, part of a lawn and spilling into the street, and a stone wall, perhaps 20 square metres in 2 years. However there have been few flowers, and I forgot it is supposed to be edible, so have not tried it.

Currant Bush (Coprosma nitida) : very prickly bushes about lm high, growing in partial shade. No berries yet, nor finches.

Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii): Has grown from 10cm to 5m in less than 2 years; pretty grey juvenile foliage, delicate green mature foliage. But the sap tastes as bitter as any other gum tree; no hint of sweetness.

Alpine Raspberry (Rubus gunnianus): Seems to be a thick bunch of tiny plants packed together. Two bunches in sun (vegie garden) died, as did one in shade. The other two bunches in moist shady spots have spread, including suckers out a half-metre. No berries though.

Elderberry: grew in a crack in asphalt. Small white edible, but not tasty, berries. Cutting struck easily.

Native Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata): Growing well in moist shade; indeed "handsome", with red stems; two plants with rather showy flowers still on the plant. No berries yet though. The leaves have an interesting spicy flavour, not at all like pepper. Use a tiny amount! A nibble initially has a faint allspice flavour which grows rapidly into a hot spice that burns the tongue, then fades to a eucalyptus aftertaste.

My preliminary impression is that the "Native Pepper" is the only promising Tasmanian b-~shtucker,unless the sap of the Cider Gum turns sweet in Spring. Has anyone out there got experiences to share? Jack.

# Newsletter 14 (February 1992)-featured the third part of Rodney Barker's epic "How to eat a Gum Tree", which focussed on the Cider Gum, Eucalyptus gunnii. Historical accounts certainly suggest that there is a season (though less clear about when it falls) for colle~tingthe sap of mature (7years+) trees, and that there is some variability in both sweetness and viscosity among individuals. (Ed) Proee Releaee

Auetralia'e guido to Organic Reetauranta and Retailers

_..I From: Dr Wendy Seabrook PO Box 87, Broadwater, NSW 2472 Tel02 66 828 148 Email: w~m.com.au

We would be great if you could publish this PR and help us track dawn organic retailere and reshuranta in Auatmlia Please phone me if you have any queries. Thnh1

Fresh and Flavoursome: Australia's guide to Organic Restaurants and Retailers

What tastes delicious and the more you eat it the healthier you get? That's right - organic food!

Today we are seeing a huge increase in consumer demand for organic produce in Australia. Why? Because people believe their health improves when on a diet of fresh organic food, and the flaw& of the food is vmtly superior.

As a result, growere of organic produce around the world are incmahg production- But where do interested consumem buy their organic produce and haw do they Imte organic and wholefood restatwantsr, especially if they are traveling vr vieitom &om other countries?

We have the solution but we need your help. Wanted restaurants and retailers selling organic produce!

'Ere& and hvomme- Australia's guide fo organic restaurants andretdera - wiU be published labthis year. The guide dlbe distributed to Imknhops throughout Au6tm.h and wiU b& a major vehicle for the promotion of pure foods in Auskalia The guide will list and provide information on all the restawts in kustdia who wok with organic produce, and all the retailem sellkg organic produce (8hops, market stalls and direct delivery ecbemes).

Thb guide wiU show where these restaurants, shops, market &Us and direct delivery s&emes are located, and outline the mgeof organic fmdstdf~sold. For em& prospective customers will alao &d out, for example, whether vegetarian or vegan food are served, bkinga are required, and if entertainment or awmmcdatioa is provided. Do you want to your business to be listed in this guide or know a good organic restaurant or food shop?

Help us to help your busiae8~.Help us.b promote organic fdby Ie-pwr local etom or restamt howabout this publication. We want this guide to be mmprehensive and popular to pmmote the organic fwd industry and the consumption of pum food amiss Australia. We would Wre your input aa awn as possible. . . - only the cost of a stamped ad* envelope so we can gadyou a. qu~o~.dlso make Bure you let us know what type of bus he^^ you owrate - store, market &ill,direct delivery or reetaurnnt

Send the SAE to Wendy ~eab&k, PO Box 87, Broadwater, NSW 2472 or phone 02 66 828 14B for more information. ~irti11r11111~1~i1:ul Q~rtrrrrr 1 YYY

are used as febrifuges and as a tonic. The bark is used as a tonic and as an antiseptic on skin lesions, ulcers and wounds. The leaves are used to treat dysentery, diarrhoea, colic, nausea and convul- sions and as a febrifuge, tonic and antiseptic. The fruits are used as adiuretic. alaxative, an emollient and as an emmenagogue, for asthma and other respiratory problems. as a treatment for arthritic and comparable inflammations, in cases of leucorrhoea and sapraemia and for maladies of inner organs. Roots, leaves and fruits may have anthelmintic properties. In traditional medicine lllc pilrIs uscd arc udn~inis~crcdruw or us juiccs end infusions or in ointments and poultices.

.. . Despite the smell of putrid cheese when ripe, Morinda cirrifolia tl~cfri~its arc catcn raw or prcparcd, as arc thc leavcs. The fruit pulp can be used to cleanse hair, iron :rnd stccl. Thc wood splits cxccssively in drying and its uses are restricted to fuel and poles. In Malaysia and Thailand thc trce is used as a [PROSEA: Dye and tannin-producing plants] suppon for pepper plants. Morinda citrifolia PropertiesThc basis of the morindoncdyeing matter, called Turkish red, is thc hydrolysed (red) (Rubiaceae; 2n = 44) form of the glycoside molindin. This is the most Synonyms. Morinda bracteara. Morinda abundant anthraquinone, is mainly found in the liloralis. rootbark, which reaches a concentration of 0.25- Vernacular names. Indian rnulbeny (En). Mo- 0.556, in fresh bark in 3-5 years. It is similar to that rinde (Fr). fndoncsia: rnengkvdu (Javanese), beng- found in Rubia finciorum and to synthetic alizarin. kudu (Minahasa, Gorontalo), cangkudu (Sunda- Thecuratia:epropenies ofthe plant pans areascribed nese). Malaysia: mengkudu besar, mcngkudu to thc presenceof medicinally active anthraquinone jantan. Philippines: {urnbong-as0 (Tagalog), bang- derivatives. The fruit contains rancid smelling kuro(l3isaya), apatot-nga-basit(I1okano). 13urma: capric acid and unpleasant tasting caprylic acid. 11 al. Cambodia: nhoer srok. nhoerthom'. Laos: nhoo is thought that antibiotically active compounds are baanz. Thailand: yo ban. Vietnam: nhau. present. The nutritional value of the fruit and Origin and geographic distribution. Indian lcavcs is considcrablc. The lcuvcs arc a rich source mulberry is a native of Queensland (Australia). It of vitamin A. may have been d~stributedby man and carried Description. An evergreen shrub or small westwards into the Indian Ocean by sea currents. crookcd trce with a conical crown, 3-8(-10) m tall, reaching the Seychelles. and similarly into the with a deep tap root; bark greyish or yellowish- Pacific between 30"N and 30"s latitude. reaching brown, shallowly fissured, glabrous: branchlets the Marquesas, Hawaii, and Easter Island. !t is quadrangular. Leaves opposite and simple, elliptic- present throughout South-East Asia both wild and lanceolate, (10-)IS50 cm x 5-17 cm, entire, acute cultivated. It often occurs wild in coastal zones. It to shortly acuminate at apex, cuneate at base, is naturalized in the Caribbean region. pinnately nerved, glabrous; petioles 0.5-2.5 cm Uses. Before the introductionof syntheticdyes long; stipules variable in size and shape, broadly (e.g. alizarin) the red dye fmm the mtbaxk of triangular. Inflorescences globose heads, 1 4 cm Indian mulberry was important. In the late 19th long peduncled, in axils of stipules opposite Century. therc were plantations in coastal areas of normally developdd leaves; flowers bisexual, northern Java and adjoining islxds. Nowadays, fragrant; corolla funnel-shaped. up to 1.5 cm long, single trees are encouragdorcultivatedingardms white;stamensinsertedonthe mouth ofthecorolla; mainly for mdicinal purposes. Cuilivati~nior the stigma bilow. Fruit an ovoid syncarp of rd dye is restricted to areas where traditional textile brown, pyramidal. Zseeded drupes. 3 10 cm x 2 3 dyeing is still important, e.g. in the production of cm, yellow-white. Seeds black, with hard albumen high quality batik on Java. and distinct air chamber. Most pans of the tree have been widely used Growth and development The seed remains medicinally since ancient times. In Vietnam roots viable for at least 6 months. ~erminationis 3 9 serve to treat stiffness and tetanus and have been weeks after sowing. Plant growth is 1.2- 1.5 m in 6 proven to combat anerial tension. Elsewhere they months. Flowering and fruiting starl. in thc third year and continue throughout the year. Meximum age is at least 25 years. Other botanical inlormation. M. citrifoIia is sometimes subdivided into two varieties: var. cirrifilia and var. bractcara. Thc latter has calyx- limbs with 1-2 leaflike. linear-lanccolarr: lobca. 1- 1.5 cm long: the slem is straighterand the leaves arc smaller thzn var. citrifoiia. Ecology. Indian mulbcny is commonly found up to aItirudes of I500 m in humid and seasonal - climates of the region. with an cstimatcd annual raintall 01 1500-3000 mm or rnorc. In artas whcre the plant is cultivated. the soil is usually well srmczured and of volcanic origin (Java), bul it may be poor and ferralitic (Carnbdia). In !he wild the pIanr also appears on infcnilc, degcntratcd soils, sometimts badlydrainedorwith a very low watcr- retention capacity and a deep wattr tabte. The species occurs in evergreen, (semi- . )deciduous to more or las xerophytic formations, often typically littoral vegetations. II alsooccurs in pioneer and secondary vegetation after cultivation and bush fires(CamMia).deforestatienorvolcmic Morindcr cirrifolia - I, flowering branch; acrivily (Krakarau). It is pcrsistcn[ and vcrytolcrnnt. 2, inflorescence- infiucteceence. The ability of the secds to floal explains its wide dislribution and occurrence on many scashorcs. Inland distribution agents are Iruibtating bats and Prospects. Renewed interesl in natural dyes birds. and mcdicine in Indonesia and elsewhere may Propagation and planting. Indian mul'aeny rcvive bark production, Evaluation of fruits and is prcpagatcd by seeds which should bc sown in leaves lor nutritional purposes is recommended. nursery bcds. After germination, sadlings art Lircrature transplanted at ca. 1.2 m x 1.2 rn in well-tilled soil. I. Abbot. I.A. & Shimazu. C.. 1985. The Husbandry. Weeding is eamtd out at least geographic origin of plants mosl commonly used twice and starts about 1 month after transplanting. for medicine by Hawaiians. Journal of

No maintenance is needed after the first year. Ethnopharrnacology 14(2/3): 21 3 222. ' f ntercropping withcerealsand perennialsispossible 2. Haake.A.,\ 984. Javanische Batik: Methode. (e.g. shade in coffee). Symbolik, Geschichte. Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Harvesting. High-yielding bark may be Hannovcr, Germany. pp. 17-23.94 108. expected after 3 5 years. Thc roots are dug out. 3. Hidayat,€.. 1978. PohonCcnkudu(Motin& , cleaned in water, and the bark removed. citr*lia L)dan manfaatnya khususnya sebagai Yield. Yield of bark is reportd tobc500-1000 abat rradisional [M. citrifulia L. and ib smial use kglha, containing about 0.25 % morindin. as a traditional drugE Buletin Kebun Raya 314): Handling aner harvestme bark is ready for 141 144. use after drying in the sun far several days. In the 4. Manin.. F.W. & Rubertc. R.M., 1980. complex cold-dyeing proccss of the Java barik. Techniques ana plants for the tropical subsistcncc cloth is prepared with an alkalic emulsion. 4 times [arm. United States Deparlmcnt of Agriculture a day. for 10 days.The bark is pounded with jirak (USDA).Agricultural Reviews and Manuds ARM- bark (Symplocusfuscict~lard). mashed with water 5-8-56 pp, and applied to the cloth by hand. This is repeated -J. J. Croenendijk lor5 days The cloth acquires a clear red. wash-fast ********** colour. Elsewhere, the same dyeing principle is used, lirak bark scwes as a mordant: It is rich in aluminium salts. Gemtic rescrurces.Thesp~iesisdiminishing in its norural habitat. tr is not very likely to b$ endangered by serious gennic erosion given its pioneering character, its natural variation and its wide, rhough small-scale, cultivation.Therc are no rrponcd gerrnpli~s~ncollections. 8GAP Qld. Reglon BULLETIN; Mat&h:1999

- and then distributed. It obviously ftaspberrics (and BlackMcs) thrived in Puerto Rico. R. probus was belong to dlcl vaFt genus RV~USin thy previously known by the namc of R family Rosaccac: Rubrrs. specics are fiminijio/oliuj, h: fai spc-cics occurs found 811 over the world, but cspccialiy ifi only in south-east Asia and Indonesia. tttc northern hcmisphcrc. A photograph of R probus appears in The centres of diversity for Rubus 'Australian Plants' Volumc 18, page appear.: to be Ewopc, 'Asia and North 7G, but labcllcd as R rosifofius. America. China for instance, has kound 100 'species; the tiny country of Bhutan 2. Rubus rosifolius - a pinnate leaved has 4 1 species; Indonesia has 40 species. species. The red hits are somewhat In Australia, there are just eight conical in shape, longer than they are indigenous species and one hybrid of wide. It is very widespread, extendig Rubus. from China and Taiwan to southern Broadly speaking, raspbcniw are red- Australia. In Queensland it occurs fruited and blackberries (naturally horn the N.S.W.border to as far north enough) have black hit, and they bdong as Kroombit Tops. It is photographed to different subgenera in Rubus. Australia in Keith Williams' Nativc Plants of has no indigenous blackberries, but we Queensland, Volume 3, p. 274. There have inherited quite a few from other are two varieties, wtich look countries, notably the common identical, but differ in the number of btackbeny (R. fiuricosus agg.] from petals; var. ros~oliushas 5 petals and- Europe which is rampant in many parts of var. commersonii has 9-1 3 petals. southern Australia. All Rubw spp., as fu 3. Rubus queenslandicus - a pima& as I knowShave edible hits, but there is IeaGtd species which is -closely a lot of variation between species in their related to R rosifolius, but differs by flavour and succulence. the hairless stem and lmves, thc Queensiand is the stronghold for longer stab on the leaflets, the Australian Rubus species. This is sparse cover of glands on the leaves probably because Queensland has most of and the haj pctab. It has red fruits, the rainforest, and Rubus rather dry in texture. It is endemic to characteristically grow in rainforest or on coastal ranges of north Quecnsland, rainforest edges. However, the especially the Atherton Tableland. widespread R parv$ioIiirrs .grows in 4. Rnbus pawlfoflus - a small species :eucalypt woodland; well awdy fkom the which is often quite prosmte, but can :rainforest. Another notable feature of form a shrub to 90 cm high. The !:Rubus spp, are their very prickly stmy leaves rn generally trifoliolate, but 'and even leaves. There is again an sometimes have 5 leaflets, and the red 'exception,.. as R- gunnionus fmm hits wfiile rather small, ace very Tasmania is totally without prickles. succulent and tasty. R parvifolius My recent taxonomic studies into ocam in Japan, southern Chh and Rubus have resulted in the naming of a North Vietnam, and throughout south- couple of new taxa, and regrettably, a few eastem Australia. In Queensland it is name changes. Here is a summary of distributed from the N.S.W. border to raspbemy species occurring in Eungella N.P. near Mackay. Queensland: 5. Rubus moorel (Silky Bramble) - this I. Rubus probus - a .pinnate leaved palmate leaved species (like spokes of species, with 5-petalled flowers and a wheel), is a vine which scrambles bright red WS which arc over rainforest vegetation and can considerably broader than they are reach tree canopy height. It is long. It is widespread in Queensland, dioecious, which means tbat there are earn helidon Hills to Caoktown, and separttie male and female plants. The also in New Guinea. It was named in kts,which are borne in sumrnc,, iub 1923, strangely enough, from Puerto succulent and black at maturity. It is %co, where it is nbturalised. relatively restricted in distribution Apparently, seeds were sent to the from Lismore to the Conondale U.S.A. in the early part of this century Ranges, but it is quite common around O'Reillys and adjacent areas of Lamington N.P. R. moorei is leaf stalks md bmnchlcra WRvnil8tv photographed in Keith Williams' IS common in north QrrcensIiina, but Native Plants of Queensland, Volume does occur sporadically in the south, 3, p. 274. nt low altitudes. It : includes molucconus vat, dendrocharls, a 6. Rubus nebalosris (Green-leaved name which has appeared in some Bramble) - another palmate leaved books in recent years. species. Like R. moorei, it is a moluccunus var. irilobus has a dioecioiu vine which can reach distinctiy 3-lob& ieaf, mostly pink canopy height. The hits are borne in petals and appressed greyish hairs on the summer. it is easily distinguished the leaf stalks and branchlets. This from R moorei by the longer virtually variety is common in New South . glabrous leaflets. It is widqread in Wales and extends into eastern NSW, bur in Queensland is cod2ned Victoria. In Queensland, it is mainly to the: high airitude areas near the in the south, but does extend to the border. It is most sccn at readily Atherfon Tableland. It was formerly Springbrook, whcre it grows ofm (incorrectly) known as R hillii. adjamt to R moored, As this species The hits of both varieties are red, was only recently named, it was succulent and tasty. referred to in the Flora of NSW as Rub~sp. A, and illustrated in 10. Rubus x novus - this is a naturally Nicholson's Rainforest Plants occfing hybrid between R. Volume 4, page 61, again as Rubus moluccanus var. rrilobus and R sp. A. parvifolius. The 'x' in f3ont of the 7. Rubus eIlIpflcus - a hifoliolate species epithet indicates that it is a species with long arching canes hybrid. It is usually hifoliolate, with bearing xed bristles. The fruits are leaflets much larger than R bright yellow, and fairly succulent parvifolim. The flowers are pink. and tasty. It is an introduced species Interestingly, this hybrid is sterile - it which comes f?om India, Sri Lanka, never sets hit. This explains why it south-east Asia and the Philippines. is not terribly common. It occurs very Seeds were sent to Brisbane (from sporadically hmeastern Victoria to Mia) in 1891, and these were near Sarina in cenQal Queensland, diseibuted to various parts of the and could be expected to occur state. It first became naturatised at wherever the two parents are growing Emnundi, and now is quite common in close proximity. on the Blackall Range. Wle it is a Why not try growing a Rubtm or two7 weed, it clever forms large thickets Admittedly, they are not ideal for beside and does not seem too serious. the driveway or where young chiIdren 8, Rubus alce@dius - a vigorous play, but they would make a good hedge shrubby-vine ar sprawling shrub up to or ,fill in a sunny hole in your rainforest 4 metres high, with simple 5-7 lobed planting. leaves, with a11 lobes more or less They are readily propagated by equal. The hits are red and cuttings and X have observed layering on sucdent. It is a naturalised weed R. rnoluccanus var. trilobus, where a branch has lain on the sound and struck which is a problem at low altitudes in mot. I have not tried dshg thejtn.hm the Wet Tropics of north Queensland. seed, is and I suspect they may take a (long It indigenous to south-east Asia and while to geminate as the seeds are the western parts of Indonesia. It is enclosed by a very hard case, as those of ilfusmted in Noxious Weeds of you who like blackberry jam will know. Australia (1992) p. 576. At1 Rubur are light loving;and will 9. Rubus moluccunw - a simple leaved flower and fdt.best in full srtn. 3n.the species which farms a scrambling down side, they have quite a high wter shrub to 3 metre high. It is a nativ5 seqient, so unless you live near the species, but its naml mnge Wmds cow they will need supplementary water far beyond A-lia into southeast (except R parv~oliwhich is .quite As'= There are five taxonomid drought tolerant); and they don't like varieties, of which two occur in do . - pooriy drained soil. ney respond well Queensland: to pnming, so could be made to fit the mohccanus var. moluccunus has a space you have available, and the big shatIowly lobed leaf, white petalsand bonus ot course is that they will bear erect brown to yelIow hairs ond'tha edible Mufor you. w SCAP Old. R~eionBULLETIN, June 1999 the fruit vary to such a degree thnt man)" ( BUSH TUCKER people are convinced that more than occ species must be involved. Those from the Cedar Bay Cherry northma rainforest and Cape York ..- (Eugenia rein wardtlana) Peninsula nrcas have large, fleshy leaves Lz7u and a bright red globular fruit, varying in size from a cherty pip to the size of a curnquat. Local vine-thicket varieties Many older members of SGA? wodd from the Townsvillc-Bowcn area have remember a time when ail he Lillypillies very thin, srnalt leaves, while the hit is were known as Eugenia. During the bright orange, often elongated and tear- 1980s, this was revised and the whole shaped. They have morc than a passing group were spIit up into Syzygium and resrmblance to some very nasty chillies 1 Acmene. Only one solitary plant have eaten in the past. remained in Etigenia and that was the The Cedar Bay Cherry is now Ccdar Bay Cherry. Of course there are attracting a large amount of interest hrn still about 1000 Eugenim in other parts general home gardeners as well as die- of the world; most familiar to many home hard native piant enthusiasts. Many gardeners is the Brazijian Cheny believe that this plant has peat potential (Eugenia unijoro), or possibly even the for the exotic hit and hush tucker Grumichana (Eugenia brmiliensis). Ow markets because of the eating quality of native Eugenia has also undergone a the hit. name change. Formerly Eugenia Personally, I have about fifteen adult cari;r;sioides, it is now known as E plants in cultivation from which I reinwardtiana. regularly gather fruit. The largest and Enough of the technical aspects now. most spectacular fnriter was one I The name "Cedar Bay Cherry" obviously actually purchased from the hit tree derives f?om the fact that it is a common section of the local nursery. Realising the shrub at Cedar Bay in the Dainlree area, importance of experimenting with as but it is by no means confined to there. many different varieties as possible, I Indeed, they may be found anywhere have plants in Eom around north from Bundaberg to the Tams Strait and Queensland and have just pIanted over into Papua New Guinea and many other 100 seeds of the unusual Tohville countries as well. It grows in mimy fonns variety. and many habitats, although usually as a I am looking for all the variations of low bush or small tree. On off-shore fruit size, seed size and flavour. Perhaps islands, rocky headlands and prcitected there is the possibility of grafting the beach &ants, it is possible to find the superior hiting variety from the wet cheny growing. It also occurs along dry tropics to the hardier rootstock of our creek beds in association with deciduous local variety. I had considered grafting \ vine thicket or dry rainforest species. Cedar Bay Cherry onto Brazilian Cherry, The leaves are opposite and when but who could be so mean to a Cedar Bay crushed, exude that apple sort of smell so Cherry? common with members of the family This plant is certain to become one of Myrtaceae. The flowers are white and the most popular native shrubs and bush delicate, with a small tuft of fine stamens tucker plants in cultivation in the growing from the centre. These ire Townsville area and it should be heavily ' produced sporadically over the plant and promoted. are followed by a sweet edible hit. (Reprinred Jrom "The Native Gardener", The size, taste, colow and texture of newsletter of SGAP Tovnsville Branch) -- Society for Growina Australian Plants Rockharnpton Branch Pick fruit when well developed .and ripe. Twist seed to remove. Wash fruit well. Slice Ann McHuuh * fruit finely crosswise like Cumquats. Add lemon juice and a little lemon zest, and water. Bring to the boil and boil gently for about 30 mins. Add warmed sugar and stir till dissolved. Bring back to the boil and simmer for about 30 mins. Bottle 250 gms Fruit whilst hot into warm sterile jars. Cap well. For Juice of 1 Lemon keeping for a longer time, cover jam with melted 300 mls. Water Parrafin wax or greaseproof paper dipped in 1 % CUPSSugar Vinegar.

9 2 A PENCHANt FOR PRICKLY PEAR

I)y I'ilm Odijk, Drihic Island. Qld.

Thc'Spanirrds inlroduccd prickly pcar lo Europc from Mcxico in tl~cI0tl1 ccn- tury 2nd il soon spx;rd all artjilrtd Ilic Medi~crrancan, and from rl~crc10 13ng- land. It appcarcd in Ausrralia with the rirsi whitc sctllcrs. Uy lY[10 an arc:! crl 4,000,000 hcc~arcswas awccl~vland tly 1920, it was spreading at tl~cr;~tc CII 500,000 haarcs pcr year. Ily ;in area of 26,000,000 hccrarcs wits i4TwtcJ. So no wonder it was (and gill is) rcgitrtlcd as a pcI- a noxious wecd. It defied eradication until a c;lctua cat- ing insect, namcly Cacroblasris mccfrrrirrtt, brought from Argentina and stri~thorn Brazil, was intrduccd. '~ICwill iipinst the prickly parwas won wilh i11c tl~.tpOI this small insect, to which thcrc is s rntln- urnent a1 Dalby, Uuccnsland. At Boonarga, a dairying and farming arcit near Chinchilla, a hall w:ts nncc huih bearing the inscription 'Bwnarga - GIG- Despite ils protective prickles the prickly pear makes good caring. toblast is - Mcmorial Hall'. In southern Tcxas (USA) prickly pr RECIPES quickly until setting point is reached. CacluS has hen a delicacy fur Qvcr 200 Prickly Pear Jam Allow lo cml slighdy, spmn into clean years. There, thc young rcnder hwa arc prickly pcar fnrit a1 tk just ripe srag jars, seal and label. This jelly k a rich crirn- frequently called jroples, rrrrros, or Texas sugar (375 gtoeach 500g fruit) son colour and very clear. figs and arc usually roasrcd or gri)lcd. Pccl the spike-free pears, cul them in The best way to strain any pulp They can be bought fresh, with spikes half Ieng(hwisc and weigh the fruit. Place through a jelly bag is to make a bag from removed, at Hispanic and Latino markets. in a preserving pan and sprinkle wirh calico to rescrnhle a wind sock wirh the For salads, they arc usually grillcd, or approximately hall to one cup of sugar end closed, large enough to ho!d the fruii boiIed for half an hour in watcr ro which a and allow thcm to smd for 12 hours. Boil pulp and also so that each comer of the. little salt has ken added. The water is quickly (add a litttc water if n-ry) for bag can be folded over or secured to a leg changed after the firs[ IS rninurcs. Tinncd about 30 minutes, then add 375 g of sugar of an upiurned kitchen stool or chair. nopales can be found in supemarkcls, tc tach 500 g of pear as wcighcd and boil Place the chair or stocd upside down on The pear has not bcen totally cradi- at a good rolling boi! for about an hour. or the kitchen table. Place the container into cated in Ausrralia, and can still be found until setting point is reached. Alow to which the jcllv is lo flow under the bag, in various parts of thc bush. If you comc cool. spoon into clean jars. cover. seal and but some diaance abve it so it does not across one in fruit. you can ear the fruit label. This jam is a rich wine colour. touch, and leave overnight. raw by slicing it open Ieng~hwix:and dig- Prickly Pear Jelly Texas Fig Salad gingout thc flesh. Or. you can makc your- 48 ripe prickly pear fruit 2 cups 01 nopoks (the young tender self some prickly par jam or jelly. or try , 500 g of sugar to each 2 cups of liquid shwrs. prrpared as indicated), cooled, the young tender shoots thc way thc as measured lhcn diedor diced Americans do. Howcver, great cart is juice of 3 lemons 2-5ri~ tomatoes. chopped rquircd in preparation as the prickles and Prepare the prickly ptar fruit in a simi- 1 sliced onion spikcs an the fruit and leaves can ausc lar way as Ccrr prickly Far jam. Cut the I tsp minced garlic painful inju rim. Wear thick work glt~vcs pcirrs into picccs. add onty a liltle wlcr to I frcsh chopped chilli to pick the fruit and glovcs whilc prta'sli- srrrp rhc fruii from burning. adMil for an juice of h;df a lemon or lime ing it. Pfaec the prickly pear fruit, rrr thc hour. Whcn awl cnough to handle. strain 1-2 tb~pextra virgin olive oil . young Icndcr leavcs. in hiling w:ltcr Ihrrrqh a jelly bag It); .~hcrulS hours AdJ 2 Ihpmild checse ptcd soften rhc pritklcs. thcn. with gloved- thc juicc of 3 lcnums. Mrasurr tht jcll!; Combinc all cxcepi rhc chccsc and hands and using a sharp kniic, wrijv uCf and add 500 g of sugar for may 2 cup 14 rcfripnrc. Jusr heforc wrving, sprinkle all thc pricklcs. jc!ly tiquid. Rrin~;~:l rt, thc h~iland hril Ovcr thc rhrcsc. @ BOOKS, MAGAZINES, CATALOGUES ETC:

# Edible Watt1e Seeds of Southern Australia by B. R.Maslin, L.A.J.Thomson, M.W.McDonald and S.Hamilton-Brown. Produced by CSIRO Australia and Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA, 50 Hayman Rd, Como, WA, and may be obtained from them. (108 pages).

Describes 47 Acacia species which have potential for cultivation in southern semi-arid regions of Australia as a source of seed for human consumption, 18 in colour. Acacias victoriae and murrayana appear particularly promising. A valuable reference.

# Australian Tropical Plants, Volume 1 by Garry Sankowsky. A privately produced CD available from Yuruga Nursery, PO Box 210, Tolga, Qld for $40 -t $3postage. Contains large quantities of useful data including over 1000 pictures on 524 species. Valuable, convenient and useful for those with computer access.

# Rural book catalogue from Landlinks Press. Check it out at www.landlinks.csiro.au or Freecall 1800 645 051 to request one.

Some interesting titles including Prospects for the Australian Bushfood Industry by Graham and Hart.

# Herbal Harvest (2nd edition) by Greg Whitten. Available from the author at 134 Maudsleys Rd, Allens Rivulet, Tas 7150 for $75. Commercial organic production of quality dried herbs. Focuses on small to intermediate scale growing operations, and includes a chapter on wildcrafting - the gathering of herbs growing in the wild. (556 pages).

# Greenhouse Living magazine, to be published quarterly for 12 months, second issue due out in September. David Miller publisher. PO Box 117, Seymour, Vic 3661. Ph: 03 5792 4222.

"Greenhouse Living is being published to reflect, encourage and celebrate our sensible response to environmental issues."

1 found this a very interesting read, particularly the article by Robyn Francis called A taste of the bush in the backyard. Sections include Features, Garden, Healing, Vision, Home, Initiatives, Food and Regulars. Well worth investigating.

# Boab - The Boab Tree by Pat Lowe. Published'by Lothian Books. RRP $34.95.

The various features of Adansonia gregorii including its history, uses and legends. (Not reviewed). SNIPPETS :

Tar atrd illus!rafiotts by # Kellie-Jane Pritchard of AgWest Bill Gunn International, the Agriculture Ocean Grovc Western Australia business,unit responsible for promoting agri- Carpobrotus rossii cultural trade, was the scheduled (Karkel la) speaker at WANATCAfs May meeting. The gznus Carpobrotus is a member Her topic was "Growing Bush Foods in WA Where are we at?" of the family Aizoaceae. In Australia - , there are four indigenous members, one of # There was some anecdotal inform- which is rossii, after William Ross, the ation in the Rainforest Study collector. Karkella is this plant's Koori Group Newsletter 43 regarding the name. It is usually found in sandy, coastal perfume of Eupomatia laurina, the situations, in full or Dart sun. Bolwarra or Native Guava, causing Karkella is a spreading. succulent allegies and sinus problems. Has perennial, flowering from spring to late anyone heard of this problem be- summer. The main stems are slender and fore? I must admit I haven't, so prostrate. The shon stems which suppon would welcome any feedback, which the flowers are erect. The flowers, which could then be passed on to the are quite spectacular, are 4 or Scms across RFSG as well. with pale purple "petals' becoming white tit their base. Afier hwering, globular # One of the RFSG members, Richard fruit which is purplelred and about 2cms Logan from the Illawarra area, is in diameter is produced. The fruit is currently working on preparing sets of fact sheets. His ultimate aim edible and was enjoyed by indigenous (a lifetime task?) is to cover all people. The leaves are fleshy and up to the Australian rainforest species, 8cms long by Icm wide. but hers starting with the Lilly The brilliant flowers and the Pilly group. prostrate nature of Karkella make it very attractive as a rockery plant or on a slope. # Some interesting websites if you Propagation is horn seed or cuttings or have Internet access: from stems which have layered them- selves. siaminodes which are sierile sianlens. Growing Australia~.March 1999

STFIAtlAN FOOD PWS

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