G'day birders
Here's some advice from someone who knows his plants (and his birds).
I always thought birders were only interested in potato chips and fast
food and would rather die than eat fruit! Must have been wrong!
Happy nibbling!
Andrew
adrian & sally wrote:
Feel
free to post this is you're inclined - Edible
fruits in the Australian rainforest can easily be found as they fall into
three broad categories - this ain't an exhaustive list - just a be safe
tally! 1. All fruits
with a calyx, e.g Lilly-Piliies and Rubiaceae, such as coffee bush, the
Native Gardenias etc. The calyx resembles a small tiara or crown and is
found on the lower side of the hanging fruit.One exception is the Finger
Cherry in the Atherton Tablelands which can develop a fungus on the skin
rendering it toxic. Finger Cherries at low altitude are edible and delicious.
Just ask the kids from Lockhart River!2.
All Sapindaceae or Tamarinds et al. Characterised by capsules splitting
into usually 2 or 3 segments, and bearing seed covered wholly or in part
by a fleshy or jelly like aril - this is tasty, full of Vitamin C, and
good for you as well as the birds and bats that feed extensively upon it.
Dimocarpus or Native Longan from Iron Range/Bamaga being the best of them.3.
Sapotaceae or Native Plums. Characterised by usually rounded fruit and
seed which is segmented into a few (up to 8) crescent shaped seeds resembling
dried cockroaches, A family including Lychees, Longans, Sapotes etc. Some
can be a little dry to the palate but the best is endangered Pouteria ripicola
from Iron Range, the Claudie Sapote. You generally have to fight the Fruit
Bats to get any! Never,
ever eat Proteaceae, such as Macadamias as most are laden with cyanic acid
in the north. Be wary of all red fruits apart from those which meet the
above guidelines, and never, ever, ever consider fruit lying fresh and
uneaten on the ground! Could even be Triunia, the Honeysuckle Bush, which
can kill in seconds! Know
thy botany a tad, you birdos, and we'll all live happier and healthier.Adrian
Walker.
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