Welcome back to Greensteading Life, where each episode is a little seed planted in your heart, growing something new, inspiring, and rooted in the wisdom of the land. Today, we’re taking you on a mouthwatering wander through the edible native plants growing right here at the Greenstead. From spicy myrtles to succulent groundcovers and juicy rainforest fruits, this is one lush buffet you won’t want to miss.
Let’s begin our stroll, shall we?
First up, the ever-hardy Syzygium ‘Express’ Lilly Pilly. With its rich green leaves tipped in copper-orange and fluffy white blooms that turn into edible pink fruit, this one is perfect for hedging, topiary, or simply giving the birds a reason to visit. It’s fast-growing, frost-tolerant once established, and rewards regular tip pruning with lush, dense growth.
Next, the showstopper: Syzygium ‘Cascade’. Think blusher-pink new leaves, pink pompom flowers, and tasty fruit in a weeping cascade of beauty. A true feature plant with native flair, it combines ornamental drama with ecological smarts.
Let’s drift over to Acronychia imperforata, the Fraser Island Apple. A glossy-leaved evergreen with creamy flowers and tart golden berries. It’s beloved by birds and butterflies and holds the energy of its homeland, K’gari, meaning ‘paradise’.
And speaking of paradise, few things conjure it like the citrus zing of Backhousia citriodora — Lemon Myrtle. Fluffy white flowers and fragrant leaves that smell like summer. Hardy, beautiful, and oh-so-useful in teas, baking, and herbal blends.
Then there’s its fragrant cousin, Backhousia anisata, the Aniseed Myrtle. Think licorice-scented leaves, elegant form, and fluffy cream flowers loved by pollinators. A sensory dream and a lovely street tree too.
If you’re into drama and colour, don’t miss Syzygium luehmannii — the Riberry. It boasts bright pink and purple new growth, soft weeping branches, and a profusion of pink-red edible berries. A superstar for hedging, shade, or wildlife habitat.
And now for some spice: Zingiber officinale, aka Edible Ginger. Yes, the one from your pantry! This lush, tropical beauty brings golden blooms and the joy of homegrown ginger root. Delicious, practical, and ornamental all at once.
Alongside it, our native Alpinia caerulea (Redback Ginger) brings forest-floor lushness, summer flowers, and blue bushtucker berries. Eat the flesh, not the seeds!
Let’s wander to the towering shade of the Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium). A juicy fruiter with glossy foliage, this rainforest tree gifts plums perfect for jam, wine, and chutney. Sweetest when the flesh is pale, or so says Caroline on Facebook.
On the ground, we’ve got the bright and beachy Carpobrotus, or Pigface. Vivid daisy flowers, edible fruits, and a waterwise spreading form. It’s brilliant for erosion control and rockeries.
Next is Melastoma affine, the cheeky Blue Tongue. Mauve flowers and fruits that dye your mouth a playful purple. A bushfood classic with year-round charm.
We also adore Carissa ‘Desert Star’, with starry white flowers, glossy green leaves, and red fruit. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and so elegant in rockeries or pots.
Want something unique? Meet Melastoma affine ‘Alba’. A white-flowering version of blue tongue with the same bushfood berries. It’s a quiet beauty for warmer zones.
Then there’s our beloved Austromyrtus dulcis — Midgem Berry. A compact gem with winter wine-coloured foliage, summer flowers, and sweet, speckled berries. Loved by birds and humans alike.
You’ll also find its gorgeous cousins:
- Austromyrtus ‘Copper Tops’, with upright form and copper-toned leaves
- Austromyrtus ‘Blush’, a new variety with pink flowers and white berries. Talk about edible charm!
Closer to the sea, we’ve got Sesuvium portulacastrum — Sea Purslane. Its salty, fleshy leaves grow in sandy soils and are packed with vitamin C. Use them fresh, steamed, or pickled. A true coastal survivor.
Also on the list: Randia fitzalanii, our beloved Native Gardenia, with scented creamy blooms and edible fruit, and Acmena smithii Minor, a compact screen with pink fruits, bronze new growth and dense glossy foliage.
Each of these plants is not just edible but deeply expressive of place — of Australia’s resilience, vibrancy, and wild beauty. And here at the Greenstead, we don’t just grow them. We live with them. We learn from them.
Come see for yourself. Book your eco-experience with us at Banjos Cabin Gippsland or Gumnut Cottage Gippsland via greensteading.com.au and get up close with this living pantry of native goodness.
Until next time, may your days be wild and your garden delicious.
Stay rooted, The Greenstead Life Team
