Quandong

I was wandering around Kelvin Grove Urban Village (KGUV) this morning, which is a 16 hectare master-planned community that demonstrates best practice in sustainable, mixed-use urban development in Brisbane. While I was there I saw few dismal looking ornamental potted plants beside a street cafe and it occurred to me rather than planting a non-native water hungry species, KGUV and Brisbane City Council (BCC) should plant some native drought-resistant fruiting plants.

It ceases to amaze me how few native fruit trees are planted in our streets, in our parks and in our public gardens. I strongly believe that there should be free food in the city, and there is no better way to do this than with native fruiting plants including;

Lillypilly

Moreton Bay figs

Quandong

Bush Tomatoes

Wattle seed

Davidson Plum

Lemon Myrtle

Lilly Pilly

These fruits have been used for thousands of years by indigenous people and yet most Australian people these days wouldn’t recognise a single native fruit tree.

I think its time to plant our gardens and streets with these fruiting plants and provide some edibles not only to native bees and birds but also ourselves.

If this food were to be grown in and around Brisbane it would be important for BCC to facilitate simultaneous education regarding the use of native fruits. This could be achieved in consultation with Brisbane’s traditional owners the Turrbal people, utilsing their skills and knowledge of native foods and their uses.

Doing some native Guerrilla Gardening would be a great way to invite some native fruiting plants into your streets and our city.

Please note: When identifying native and non-native fruits always be sure that they are edible before consuming.