The Native Currant is a small tropical shrub native to north Queensland and New Guinea. This plant grows grape like clusters of berries that are hidden away amongst its bushes. They turn red and soften as they ripen. The berries aren’t the easiest thing to get to. Tiny sharp leaves from this plant can often stick to your skin as they can be prickly.
The Native Currant grows in woodlands and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are a medium sized plant and their flowering time is during spring. Their maximum height when in the ground with good conditions is 2-5 metres. It is suitable for the sun but rarely handles frosts.
In summer the Native Currant has large berries. When the plant is young, the berries are red and tart like a cranberry, but when they become older, they turn into a dark, sweet fruit. They attract birds, bees and insects. When they flower, their colour is a mauve pink. The Native Currant also has dark green, glossy leaves.
The Native Currant can be used to make ice cream. Yum! What a great treat!
The Native Currant is a very suitable plant for your garden. Please enjoy the Native Currant in our St Hilda School's Native Bush Tucker Garden.
Reported and Compiled by Sasha E
*Sources:
Gardening with Angus - website
Daleys Fruit – webpage
Warndu – webpage
Ladybird Nursery – webpage
Tucker Bush - website
Weber, L. C. 2023 Rare and Threatened Plants of South Eastern Queensland
Kueper, R. & Pickering, C. 2023 Native Plants for Indoors and Small Gardens in South East Queensland. Griffith University
