Native Leek (Bulbine bulbosa) – Bush Tucker & Edible Native Plant

Native Leek is a hardy, bush tucker plant from the family Asphodelaceae, naturally found from central Queensland down to Tasmania and across South Australia. This Australian native thrives in a range of habitats, often in water-retentive soils or areas that are seasonally wet, such as swamps and creek edges.

Growing Conditions

Native Leek loves full sun to part shade and tolerates a variety of soils as long as there is reasonable drainage (it survived our clay garden so far). According to literature, it is  frost-hardy to -5C. During dry periods, plants may die back to the rootstock, but they recover when moisture returns.

Edible & Bush Food Uses

The sweet and starchy corms and roots of Native Leek were traditionally eaten by Indigenous Australians and are considered a valuable bush tucker food. The leaves are not edible, and the plant takes more than a season to produce roots large enough for harvest.

Garden Aesthetic

The yellow flowers look very nice planted under indigenous trees. It grows to around 0.4 x 0.3 meters and can also be grown successfully in containers, for your tiny bush tucker adventure!

Summary

• Native edible bush tucker plant
• Frost-hardy, suitable for cooler climates
• Full sun to part shade, adaptable to well-drained soils
• Sweet, starchy corms and roots (leaves not edible)
• Perfect for bush food gardens, native gardens, rockeries, and containers