Native Peanut Tree fruit (photo courtesy Rare Fruit Club WA - rarefruitclub.org.au)
Native Peanut Tree
Sterculia quadrifida
The Native Peanut Tree is native to northern Australia and is one of our indigenous bush foods. It is also known as the Red-fruited Kurrajong, and is in the same family as Hibiscus and Cacao.
The seed pods are an attractive bright orange/red colour and are ready to harvest when they are starting to split. Each pod produces a few black seeds, which, when the bitter black coating is removed, may be eaten raw or roasted, resembling raw peanuts in taste - making a great snack, or as a sprinkle for ice cream or salads. The leaves of the Native Peanut Tree are not edible.
The pods form between November and January.
Indigenous Australians traditionally use the leaves to treat wounds and stings.
Aboriginal name(s): Dundil (Larrakia), Malikini (Tiwi), Balkpalk (Yolngu). Seeds – Egng edndan (Uw Oykangand, Ow Olkola), Mayi pinta (Pakanh)
Tree maintenance
Sterculia quadrifida
The Native Peanut Tree is native to northern Australia and is one of our indigenous bush foods. It is also known as the Red-fruited Kurrajong, and is in the same family as Hibiscus and Cacao.
The seed pods are an attractive bright orange/red colour and are ready to harvest when they are starting to split. Each pod produces a few black seeds, which, when the bitter black coating is removed, may be eaten raw or roasted, resembling raw peanuts in taste - making a great snack, or as a sprinkle for ice cream or salads. The leaves of the Native Peanut Tree are not edible.
The pods form between November and January.
Indigenous Australians traditionally use the leaves to treat wounds and stings.
Aboriginal name(s): Dundil (Larrakia), Malikini (Tiwi), Balkpalk (Yolngu). Seeds – Egng edndan (Uw Oykangand, Ow Olkola), Mayi pinta (Pakanh)
Tree maintenance
- Prune in winter. The tree needs water - don’t let it dry out.
- Fertiliser - apply an organic fertiliser twice a year.
- Mulch is a must.
Native Peanut Tree at LCG December 2024 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Native Peanut Tree at LCG August 2022 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
