Aibika (Abelmoschus manihot) - Hardy, short-lived perennial shrub with large yellow flowers. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Other Names: Queensland Greens, Slipper Cabbage, Hibiscus Spinach Origin: tropical Asia Size: 2-3m high, 1.5m spread Growing conditions: full sun Harvest: Jan –… Read More
Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera (aka Medicine Plant, Burn Plant, Living First-Aid Plant) Aloe vera barbadensis Origin: North Africa Plant: Spring and Summer, Harvest: all year round for medicinal use Propagate: whenever pups or suckers need thinning out at base of plant. The… Read More
Amaranth - Amaranth (aka duck potato, swan potato, katniss) Amaranthus species Origin: central Latin America and the Himalayas Plant: Sept – Jan Harvest: as required Amaranth is a seed - not a grain - that self-seeds readily. It is an upright, moderately… Read More
Arrowhead - Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia syn. Sagittaria sinensis Origin: South, Central and North America Plant: Early Spring Harvest: When leaves turn yellow and die back. Arrowhead is a water plant, tubers are planted approx. 4-5 cm deep and spaced about 10 cm… Read More
Arrowroot - Arrowroot Canna edulis Origin: Hot, humid Queensland Plant: Any time Harvest: 12-18 months for edible rhizomes. Suggested Recipes: Root Vegetable Curry, Vegetable Pikelets Use as a 'chop n drop' mulch, or leave to form a weed barrier with pigeon pea,… Read More
Betel Leaf (Piper sarmentosum) - Hardy perennial scrambler related to betel pepper. Other Names: Wild betel, Lolot, Kadok Origin: Southeast Asia Size: 0.4m high, 1m spread, spreads by suckering Growing conditions: partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from soft cuttings or layering Growing tips: Spreads… Read More
Bitter Melon - Bitter Melon (aka balsam pear or bitter gourd) Momordica charantia Origin: Hot, humid China and India Plant: Sept – Dec Harvest: Jan – April Young fruit are harvested 8 – 10 days after the flowers open. Each fruit will be… Read More
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) - Spreading perennial water herb with small white flowers. Other Names: Waterhyssop, Thyme-leafed gratiola, Herb of grace Origin: world-wide Size: 0.2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from soft cuttings or division Growing… Read More
Brazilian Spinach (Althernanthera sissoo) - Small herbaceous plant with small white flowers. Very hardy. Other Names: South American Crinkle Salad, Poor Man's Spinach Origin: South American Highlands Size: 0.3m high, 0.5m spread Growing conditions: partial sun to shade Harvest: any time through the growing season… Read More
Bush Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) - Hardy perennial aromatic shrub that attracts bees. Other Names: African Basil, Perennial Basil, Clove Basil Origin: Africa, Madagascar, South Asia Size: 2m high, 1.5m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings Growing tips: Bushes flower profusely… Read More
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) - Perennial shrub with edible tubers. Other Names: Manioc, Manihot, Tapioca, Yucca Origin: South AMerica Size: 2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings planted directly into ground during spring to autumn. Growing tips: Cassava will grow in… Read More
Cats Whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) - Perennial native shrub with beautiful white or purple flowers. Other Names: Java Tea Origin: India, south-east Asia, Tropical Queensland Size: 1m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings Growing tips: Prune regularly to keep… Read More
Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba) - Fast growing, perennial, soft-stemmed climber with succulent leaves. Red stemmed variety 'Rubra'. Other Names: Malabar Spinach Origin: Tropical Asia and Africa Size: climber to 6m high Growing conditions: full sun Harvest: when leaves are at a size you desire Propagation: best… Read More
Chilacayote - Chilacayote (aka Alacyote, Zambo, Malabar gourd, Fig-leaved gourd) Cucurbita ficifolia Origin: Highlands – wet, cool South America Plant: March – Sept Harvest: July – Dec Pick young squash before the seeds form, slice or grate into stir-fries or salads. Mature… Read More
Chilli - Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, C. pubescens, C. baccatum Origin: South and Central America Plant: All year round in warm climates Harvest: All year round in warm climates Propagate: Seed These decorative, short-lived, warm climate perennials are renowned for their fiery fruit… Read More
Chinese Mugwort - Artemisia Verlotiorum Common Name: Tree Mugwort, Verlot’s Mugwort Plant: All year round Harvest: All year round Propagation: Seeds, cuttings or root division A member of the “Sunflower family” this hardy, evergreen perennial grows to 1-3m height with a clean, fresh… Read More
Chinese Water Chestnut - Chinese Water Chestnut Eleocharis dulcis Origin: hot, humid tropics of China and Australasia Plant: Sept – Nov Harvest: July – Aug Wait till sedge tops die down completely as the corms need to have the time to change to their… Read More
Chop Suey Greens - Chop Suey Greens (aka edible chrysanthemum; chrysanthemum greens) Chrysanthemum coramarium Origin: China and Asian countries Plant: Sow seeds in Spring, Summer and Autumn Harvest: after 30 days A hardy annual that grows to 1m and prefers mild to slightly colder… Read More
Cocoyam (Xanthosoma saggitifolium) - Clumping perennial with large leaves. Note the cut in the leaf goes all the way to the stem. Other Names: Blue taro, Malanga, Tayer Origin: Hot, humid tropics Size: 1.2m high, 1.2m spread Growing conditions: partial shade to full shade… Read More
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - Clumping herb with large rough leaves, and deep roots. Other Names: Knitbone, Woundwort Origin: Europe, Asia Size: 0.4m high, 0.5m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: root division Growing tips: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage growth. Comfrey… Read More
Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) - Hardy short-lived perennial shrub with dark red leaves and rose-coloured flowers. Other Names: False rosella, Maroon mallow Origin: Africa Size: 2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from semi-hard cuttings or better… Read More
Crotolaria (Crotolaria grahamiana) - Perennial legume bush with yellow pea flowers. Mature seeds “rattle” in pods if shaken. Other Names: Rattlepod Origin: India Size: 1.5m high, 2m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Sow seeds in spring Growing tips: Prune regularly. Use: As Crotolaria… Read More
Dogbane (Coleus caninus) - Perennial ground cover for hot, dry conditions. Other Names: Scaredy Cat Plant Origin: East Africa and Southern Asia Size: 0.3m high, 1.2m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Very hardy. Easy to propagate from cuttings. Growing tips: Dogbane likes hot, dry… Read More
Edible Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) - Small pandanus with strappy leaves. Other Names: Rampeh, Dwarf Pandan Origin: Not a wild species. Cultured since ancient times. Size: 1.5m high, 1m spread, spreads by suckering Growing conditions: partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from pups on stem Growing… Read More
False Cardamon (Alpinia nutans) - Very hardy clumping perennial with aromatic leaves. Other Names: Dwarf Cardamon, Shell Flower Origin: South-east Asia Size: 1m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: root division Growing tips: Prune hard regularly. Does not die back in… Read More
Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) - Clumping perennial with aromatic roots used in asian cooking. Other Names: petit galanga, colic root, catarrh root, lesser galangal Origin: China, South-East Asia Size: 1.5m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: from tubers during summer… Read More
Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum) - Common Name: St Robert, Storkbill, Cranesbill, Red Robin, Fox geranium, St Robert's Wort, Bloodwort, Felonwort, Dragon's Blood, Herb Robert Plant: All year round Harvest: All year round Propagation: Propagation by seed It is believed the herb was probably named after the 11th… Read More
Horseradish Tree (Moringa oleifera) - Heat-loving, tall shrub or tree with edible leaves, seeds and roots. Other names: Moringa, Drumstick Tree Origin: India Size: 10-12m high, 5m spread ( or pruned to size) Growing conditions: full hot sun, drought hardy, does not tolerate frost Harvest:… Read More
Jackfruit - Jackfruit Artocarpus integrifolia Origin: Hot, humid tropics Plant: Sept – Mar Harvest: Mar – Nov Immature fruit is used for its seed and can be made into a delicious curry. The ripe fruit is eaten raw and tastes like banana… Read More
Jerusalem Artichoke - Jerusalem Artichoke (aka sunchokes) Helianthus tuberose Origin: dry tropics of North America Plant: Sept – Dec Harvest: May, when the plants have totally died down. Can be left in the ground or harvested and stored in moist sawdust in styrene… Read More
Kang Kong (Ipomoea aquatica) - Low-growing rambler for very damp areas or place pot in water. Other Names: Water spinach, Swamp cabbage Origin: hot, humid tropics of SE Asia Size: 0.3m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: During summer-autumn in… Read More
Lebanese Cress (Aethionema cordifolium) - Perennial herb spreads prolifically in damp, shady position. Other Names: Stonecress, Fools watercress Origin: Europe & West Asia Size: 0.25m high, spreads by suckering Growing conditions: partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: by division Growing tips: Grows in damp soil… Read More
Lemongrass - Lemongrass (aka Melissa Grass, Sweet Rush) Cymbopogon citratus Origin: India and Sri Lanka Plant: Spring, summer and autumn Harvest: The more it is cut for use, the thicker it will grow. Propagation: is by the division of the bulbous base… Read More
Madagascar Bean - Madagascar Bean (aka seven year bean) Phaseolus lunatus syn. P.limensis Origin: Tropical and sub-Tropical regions Plant: in Spring Harvest: When pods have dried on vine This bean is a vigorous climbing tropical lima bean, which will give many years of… Read More
Malabar Chestnut (Pachira aquatica) - Evergreen tree of medium sized tree with edible nuts. Other Names: Guyana Chestnut, Provision tree, Saba Nut, Money Tree Origin: Central America Size: >10m high, 5-8m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: readily grown from seed Growing… Read More
Malu Khia - Malu Khia (aka mulukhiyya, Egyptian spinach or salad mallow) Corchorus olitorius Origin: Dry, tropical India Plant: Nov - Dec only Harvest: Feb – May Propagate: will self-seed. Tropical green. Annual bush. Leaves are nutrient rich in potassium and protein but… Read More
Mushroom Plant (Rungia klossii) - Fast growing bushy herb with small blue flowers from New Guinea. Other Names: Moku, Tani, Aimbe Origin: New Guinea Size: 0.6m high, 0.5m spread Growing conditions: full to partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from soft cuttings Growing tips: Likes… Read More
Musk Bush (Tetradenia riparia) - Perennial shrub with profuse white flowers in spring. Shrub is partially deciduous. Other Names: Misty Plume Bush, Ibozane Origin: South Africa Size: 2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings Growing tips: Prune back… Read More
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) - Fast-growing annual rambler with yellow, orange or brown flowers. Other Names: Indian cress, Monks cress Origin: South America Size: 0.3m high, 1-2m spread Growing conditions: full sun Harvest: late spring Propagation: from soft cuttings or seeds, self-seeds readily Growing tips: … Read More
New Guinea Bean - New Guinea Bean (aka bottle gourd, succubi or Cucuzza) Lagenaria siceraria Origin: Dry Tropics Plant: Sept – Dec Harvest: Dec – May A good substitute for zucchini. Pick fruit when no larger than 30cm-45cm, peel, then slice diagonally (remove seeds).… Read More
Okinawa Spinach (Gynura crepioides) - Hardy, low growing perennial herb. Other Names: Hongfeng cai, edible gynura Origin: Indonesia Size: 0.7m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: light sun to partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from soft cuttings Growing tips: Does best in rich, well-drained soil. Needs… Read More
Paw Paw - Paw Paw (aka papaya) Carica papaya Origin: Highlands - wet, cool Plant: Sept – March Harvest: Anytime except for Jan – April. Paw paw take approx. 18 months from planting the seed to fruit production, so a nutrient rich soil… Read More
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) - Perennial ground cover with creeping stems, and lavender flowers. Other Names: Squaw mint, Mosquito plant, Pennyrile, Pudding grass Origin: Europe, North Africa & Middle East Size: 0.3m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: root division,… Read More
Pepino (Solanum muricatum) - Perennial small shrub or ground cover from the tomato family. Other Names: Melon Pear Origin: Colombia, Peru, Chile Size: 0.5m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: layering, will root readily from stems lying on ground… Read More
Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajun) - Hardy perennial legume shrub that thrives on poor soils. Other Names: Toor Dhal, Congo Pea Origin: India Size: 2m high, 1.5m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Easily grown from seed in spring and summer. However, if you want to… Read More
Pinto Peanuts (Arachis pintoi) - Spreading ground cover legume with small yellow flowers. Origin: Brazil Size: 0.32m high, spreading Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: root division Growing tips: Very hardy once established Use: Good ground cover for orchards, as it displaces grass.… Read More
Pit Pit - Pit Pit (aka New Guinea asparagus) Setaria palmaefolia (short) and Saccharus edule (tall) Origin: hot, humid tropics of New Guinea Plant: Sept – Nov only, in a shady, boggy site Harvest: Dec – March. Propagate: from cuttings Short Pit Pit… Read More
Popcorn Cassia (Senna didymobotrya) - Hardy legume shrub with yellow flowers, and leaves that smell like popcorn when crushed. Origin: Africa Size: 3m high, 2m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: easily grown from seeds Growing tips: Prune regularly to maintain compact… Read More
Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) - Annual or biennial small shrub with green leaves and edible red fruit calyces. Other Names: Roselle, Florida Cranberry, Red Sorrel, Indian Sorrel, Mesta Origin: Africa Size: 1-2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: from seed… Read More
Sambung (Gynura procumbens) - Hardy, low growing perennial herb. Other Names: Longevity spinach Origin: Asia & Africa Size: 0.7m high, 1m spread, spreads by suckering Growing conditions: light sun to partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from soft cuttings Growing tips: Does best in rich,… Read More
Surinam Spinach (Talinum fruticosum) - Small herbaceous perennial with pink flowers. Other Names: Waterleaf, Surinam purslane, Lagos bolobgi, Cariru (synonym: Talinum triangulare) Origin: Central & South America, West Africa Size: 0.3-1m high, 1m spread, spreads by suckering Growing conditions: partial shade Harvest: all year Propagation: from… Read More
Sweet Leaf (Sauropus androgynous) - Leafy shrub that loves hot humid conditions but goes dormant in winter. Other Names: Tropical asparagus, Chang Kok, Star gooseberry, Katuk Origin: Tropical and Sub-Tropical Asia Size: 2-5m high, 1-2m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: all… Read More
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) - Hardy, herbaceous perennial vine. Other Names: Kumara Origin: wet, cool highlands of South America Size: 0.3m high, 2-3m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: Approximately 5 months after planting or longer until needed. Use a digging stick… Read More
Tahitian Spinach (Xanthosoma brasiliense) - Clumping perennial herb with large edible leaves leaves. Note the wavy edges to the leaves. Other Names: Belembe, Tannier Spinach Origin: hot, humid tropics Size: 1.2m high, 1.2m spread Growing conditions: full sun to full shade Propagation: root division Growing… Read More
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) - Clumping perennial with large tubers and green or purple stems. Note the cut in the leaves does not go through to the stem. Other Names: Talo, Dalo, Dago Origin: South-East Asia Size: 1.5m high, 1.5m spread Growing conditions: partial shade… Read More
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - Hardy clumping perennial from the ginger family. Other Names: Indian Saffron, Yellow Ginger Origin: SE Asia, India Size: 1m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Replant rhizomes in spring after autumn harvest. Growing tips: Dig rhizomes up when… Read More
Vap Ca (Houttuynia cordata) - Herbaceous perennial that grows in soil or partially submerged in water. Other Names: Fish mint, Chamaeleon plant Origin: SE Asia Size: 0.3m high, 0.5m spread Growing conditions: partial shade to full shade Harvest: All year round keep pruned to encourage… Read More
Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) - Clumping tall grass with thin rigid leaves and deep roots. Origin: India Size: 1.5m high, 1.5m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: root division Growing tips: Prune back regularly. Use: Widely used to stabilise erosion, and as… Read More
Vietnamese Mint (Persicaria odorata) - Perennial, spreading plant with small pink flowers. Other Names: Rau Rau, Rau Ram, Vietnamese Coriander, Lemon Coriander, Daun Laksa Origin: Asia Size: 0.5m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: partial shade to full shade Harvest: Prune/harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.… Read More
Warrigal Greens (Tetragonia tetragonioides) - Hardy salt-tolerant rambling annual/perennial with yellow flowers. Other Names: Botany Bay Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Cooks Cabbage Origin: East Asia, Australia & New Zealand Size: 0.3m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: You can harvest… Read More
Water Celery (Oenanthe javanica) - Perennial herb for boggy to wet conditions. Very easy to grow. Other Names: Indian pennywort, Japanese parsley, Water dropwort Origin: East Asia including Australia Size: 1m high, 2m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Harvest: All year round.… Read More
Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) - Aquatic sedge with edible corms that grows in mud. Other Names: Chinese chestnut Origin: Asia, Africa, Oceania Size: 1m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Replant corms after harvest Growing tips: Plant 2-3 corms in a bathtub in spring.… Read More
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) - Rapidly growing semi-aquatic herb with edible leaves. Other Names: Yellowcress Origin: World-wide Size: 0.2m high, 0.5m spread Growing conditions: partial shade Propagation: root division Growing tips: Grows rapidly in very wet or partially submerged conditions. Use: Edible leaves can be… Read More
West Indian Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) - Clumping perennial herb with small white flowers. Other Names: Maranta, Obedience Plant Origin: Central and South America Size: 1m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade Propagation: plant rhizomes after harvest Growing tips: Hardy understory plant, prune… Read More
Wild Mint (Native River Mint, Wild Mint or Poang-gurk) - Mentha Australis (Native River Mint - aka Wild Mint) Aboriginal name: Poang-gurk Where will you find it: Widespread throughout Australia, particularly in inland areas. Usually found near rivers and creeks Plant Type: Ground cover, clumping perennial Preferred Climate: Sub-tropical, warm… Read More
Winged Bean - Winged Bean (aka four-angled bean) Psophocarpus tetragonolobus syn. Goa Bean Origin: hot, humid tropical Madagascar and Asia Plant: Sept – Oct - into pots initially Harvest: April - May. Young 4-angled pods with wavy margins can be picked for eating… Read More
Yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) - Vigorous perennial daisy grown for its edible tubers. Dies back in winter. Other Names: Sweet Root, Peruvian Ground Apple Origin: South American highlands Size: 2m high, 1m spread Growing conditions: full sun Propagation: Replant corms after harvest Growing tips: Harvest… Read More
Yam - Yam (red and white, five-fingered yam, greater yam, lesser yam, aerial yam) Dioscorea family Origin: hot, humid tropical Pacific Islands Plant: mid-Sept to mid-Oct Harvest: When all foliage has died down. Dig gently around the yam taking care not to… Read More
Yam Bean - Yam Bean (Jicama, Mexican Water Chestnut or Chop Suey Bean) Pachyrrhizus erosus Origin: hot, humid tropical Central America Plant: Sept – Oct Harvest: July – Aug. It takes 4-7 months to maturity depending on day-length hours. At the time of… Read More
Yarrow - Yarrow Achillea millefolium Common Name: Soldiers Woundwort, Staunch Blood, Carpenter's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Nosebleed, Bloodwort, Old Man's Pepper, Noble Yarrow, Thousand Leaf, Thousand Seal, Old Man's Pepper, Devil's Nettle Origin: Native to the northern hemisphere Propagation: Root division or seed… Read More