Contributed by Ethan Mimnaugh, Mooloolah Landcare Nursery
A PRICKLY patch is a part of the garden dedicated to plants with spines or thorns. In Australia, because growing new leaves in a harsh landscape is difficult, many plants, like Prickly Moses (Acacia hubbardiana) have sharp defences to protect against hungry herbivores which would otherwise defoliate them or steal all their fruits.
Defensive plants like Currant Bush (Carissa ovata) are perfect habitat for small birds and mammals who enjoy the protection of the dense, thorny barrier. These spiky plants become biodiversity hotspots due to this safety, and this further increases the wildlife in your garden.
These prickly patches can also be designed to be used in situations where a fence may be overkill. Often this cheaper option can keep and area looking open and natural. Native Hibiscuses (Hibiscus heterophyllus and Hibiscus splendens) are have massive white and pink flowers, and straight, spiny stems which make excellent screens. Meanwhile planting various Native Raspberry (Rubus) species in a line is a quick way to turn a bland border into something tasty and attractive.
Many of the plants I’ve named are known for having tasty fruits, and it doesn’t stop there. Macadamias have sharp leaves but a delicious nut. You can enjoy tasty berries from the Orange Thorn (Pittosporum multifl orum), or delicious fruit from the Gympie Lime and Finger Lime (Citrus australis and Citrus australasica).
These dense plants have thorns which will keep the fruit safe until it ripens and shows its bright colours. Mooloolah River Landcare has many spiky natives with which you can build your prickly patch. Come down and talk with us to start planning and planting your very own bird attractive, food providing, protected prickly patch.
