Grow your own bush tucker

The West Australian Finger lime growing at Tass 1 Trees. Picture: Astrid Volzke

There's a strong movement among native-plant lovers to grow species that are traditional sources of food among Aboriginals.

There's a lot to love about these plants, which are in most cases tough enough to grow well in home gardens without needing too much extra work or resources to produce successfully.

Here are my recommendations based on the easiest varieties to start with.

The term native is a little deceptive so I've tried to break it down to plants that are endemic to our south-west corner of Australia and then others that are popular bush tucker varieties from other parts of the country.

(Citrus australasicus and Citrus glauca)

Most of these are native to semi-arid and arid areas of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and there are many references where early settlers relied on them to provide the zing to a gin and tonic on a hot afternoon.

The fruits are not only edible, they are attractive, with hybrids producing good-quality fruit. The flesh has a strong citrus flavor and is being used as a garnish in many up-market restaurants. The plants love full sun, a lack of love and will perform in most garden situations.

(Santalum acuminatum) (WA)

This is a semi-parasitic tree with succulent bright red fruits that make for a tasty snack and can be made into jams and jellies.

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Grow your own bush tucker