In addition, creating farmland for non-native crops requires that native vegetation be removed, which is not healthy for the environment.
There are also cultural reasons for incorporating bush tucker into our diets. Eating native foods helps us to better appreciate the landscape that surrounds us. When I sip on lemon myrtle tea in the evening and later catch that same scent while biking past a tree in the morning, I find myself feeling more grateful for the plants that I am fortunate to encounter in my daily life. In addition, bush tucker accompanies stories from the rich Aboriginal cultures that pioneered their use. When we learn about native plants, we are thus also learning about the people who have used them in the past and continue to interact with them.
Absolutely! A plant’s form and habitat dictate how it might be used by people. In addition, the surrounding environment shapes what is possible in terms of human uses of plants.
One clear example of such interactions is that between the Gadigal people and the grass tree (Xanthorrhoea spp.). Grass trees are actually the plant that gives the Gadigal get their name. In the Gadigal language, Gadi means “grass tree” and “gal” means people, so the Gadigal are "people of the grass tree". And it’s not a bad plant to be named after! Grass trees are impressive plants that can survive up to 600 years. The Gadigal utilize these plants for numerous purposes. Their edible flowers, which bloom in early spring, provide a tasty treat of sweet nectar. The impressive flower stalk, which can take over 20 years to develop, can also be used as a hunting spear for catching small animals like crabs.
