Anthea
Brown Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) is native tree to eastern
Australia, generally found on the western side of the Great Divide
according to Boland et al, "Forest Trees of Australia". We have a few
growing in the Sugarloaf Ranges near Newcastle, NSW. According to
Cribbs, "Wild Food in Australia" the small seeds can be eaten raw or
roasted and are apparently tasty and nourishing. They can also, it
appears, be used as a coffee substitute. However they do require some
preparation to remove the irritating hairs.
Greg Little
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of brian fleming
Sent: Friday, 19 May 2006 10:19 AM
To:
Subject: Pied Currawongs feeding on Kurrajong seeds
Yesterday afternoon as we walked along The Boulevard in Ivanhoe, we
heard a lot of crackling and rattling noises in a Kurrajong tree. This
proved to be the sound effects of four Pied Currawongs (two adults, two
younger birds with greyish tinges) pecking the seeds from the dry open
pods. They were feeding intently and not calling at all.
I had always wondered what ate the seeds and left the empty pods
lying on the ground.
I have been told that the seeds can be eaten by humans, providing
they are thoroughly rubbed clean of the irritating hairs which surround
them in the pod. I don't know if they should be cooked or not..
I don't think Kurrajong trees are native to the area but there are
quite a few planted locally on roadsides and in reserves and gardens.
Currrawongs also eat the seeds of Melia azederach (White Cedar) but
these are said to be poisonous to humans. Just proves that you cant
always follow the example of birds and animals.
Anthea Fleming
in Ivanhoe, Vic.
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