Bush Tucker Recipes at the Aussie table

Alexandra Palm: Occurs naturally on the east coast of northern Queensland. The edible part is the terminal bud at the top of the trunk but as it kills the tree it was only cut in dire circumstances

Cabbage Tree Palm: Native to northern Western Australia, Northern Territory and Cape York in Queensland, the crisp white heart of the palm trunk is edible raw or cooked however removal of this terminal bud destroys the tree.

Cairns Fan Palm: Native from Cairns to the tip of Cape York, once again the terminal bud is the edible portion and removing it kills the tree. The fronds were used as shelter construction and small birds used them for nesting.

Coconut Palm: Native to the far north coast of tropical Queensland, mature trees produce nuts which fall to the ground when they turn brown. Coconuts are used for the milk, and the fibrous flesh but if the terminal bud is cut the tree is destroyed.

Cycad Palm: Occur naturally in the tropical woodland country of northern Queensland, Arnhem Land and parts of the Kimberley. From May to November they produce nuts which are extremely poisonous if not prepared properly. Preparation is an elaborate process including roasting, airing, pounding and washing them for days.

Fan Palm: Found naturally in the Northern Territory, they grow quite well in subtropical regions as well. They produce a purple black fruit that don’t taste too good. The terminal bud was eaten but of course it destroyed the tree.

Solitaire Palm: Occurring naturally along the east coast of Cape York this palm can be found in gardens further south. Produces sprays of small red to yellow fruit the flesh of which is quite sticky and sweet.