Indigenous plant garden collaboration
MALENY Botanic Gardens and Bird World has launched new Bush Tucker gardens in partnership
with the Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation (JPAC) and local cultivators, Brush Turkey Enterprises.
Two separate areas have been planted with Indigenous plants used traditionally in cooking and medicine by the Jinibara Peoples. Jinibara rangers prepared the gardens, planting species grown by
Brush Turkey Enterprises. Plant descriptions outlining their use in Indigenous culture have been created to educate visitors about the wide variety of uses of the plants.
Plants include Davidson’s Plum, Emu Foot, Aniseed Myrtle, Lemon Myrtle, a variety of native mints, quandong, native raspberry, and the remarkable Lemon Sherbet Coleus.
The Jinibara, known as the ‘mountain people,’ lived around the Glass House Mountains for millennia, alongside the Kabi Kabi, or ‘Saltwater People,’ of the Sunshine Coast.
The Bush Tucker gardens initiative are the latest evolution in the 23 acres of exotic gardens created out of a former 110 acre cattle farm. General Manager Verena Olesch highlighted the importance of honoring Indigenous heritage, noting the cultural value of native plants.
“We want to educate and inspire visitors to start growing their own Indigenous plants and appreciate the richness of the culture that comes with them,” said Ms Olesch.
Maleny Botanic Gardens’ new Bush Tucker gardens celebrate Jinibara culture, showcasing Indigenous plants with educational and culinary experiences.