DoomsdaysCW#Australia - NATIVE NUTS FOR FOLIAGE AND FOOD
"The so called 'Hawaiian Nut', more accurately, the Queensland or macadamia nut, - is one of the most popular culinary nuts of the world. It is also the only native Australian food with widespread popularity, even though many people are still unaware that it is a native.
"Macadamia nuts are not, however, the only edible nut native to Australia. The nuts discussed below are all native and well worthwhile cultivating for their foliage and food. While #AustralianAborigines made extensive use of native produce, the white settlers and subsequent migrants have been reluctant to do so.
"The importation of exotic species in many instances has been at the expense of native species. Bunya-bunya pines, for example, have suffered enormous damage at the hands of loggers, because of their fine timber. Nuts from this pine, however, are among the best of the native nuts and deserve to be cultivated as much as macadamias.
"The use of native nuts, as with other native foods, need not be a replacement for exotic imported species, but an addition. We can still enjoy roasted almonds, as well as roasted bunya bunya nuts. Cultivating and growing native species ensures their survival and expansion. The macadamia nut, for example, is assured survival because it has become popular. Unfortunately, humans seem to respond when they exploit a species, rather than letting that species exist for its own sake. The great hope of conservation is not the preservation of species for human consumption and use, but the conservation of species per se.
"Native species are suited to native conditions, and it makes more sense to grow native species in their own habitat than to clear that habitat and try to adjust an imported species on that terrain. This, however, does not mean that any native species can be grown anywhere throughout Australia. Species that grow well in #TropicalRainforests, may do poorly (if at all) in cold temperate regions.
"Cultivating native species fits in well with #permaculture and any system of #SustainableAgriculture. Indeed, it should become an indispensable part of #sustainable agricultural practices.
"The fragile state of Australian forests cannot be overemphasised. Never pick fruit or seeds from national parks or any protected area. Native forests present us the opportunity to study the plants in their natural habitat, and as the cliche runs, 'Take only photographs and leave only footprints'."
Web page includes:
- Caring For Trees
- People And Places
- Fruits And Nuts
- Recipes
- Helpful Hints
Learn more:
https://rfcarchives.org.au/Next/Fruits/Nuts/NativeNuts11-91.htm
#SolarPunkSunday #NutTrees #MacadamiaNuts #EbonyHeart #BushPeanut #BunyaNuts #BushTucker #NativeAustralianPlants #NativeAustralianFoods #SaveTheForests #SaveTheTrees `
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