Northern Bluebell / Camel Bush / Cattle Bush - Trichodesma zeylanicum (Jilarga) seeds

Trichodesma zeylanicum - Northern Bluebell (Camel Bush, Cattle Bush)
A versatile herb or shrub with edible, medicinal, and ornamental value.

Quick Facts

• Height: Grows as an erect herb or shrub up to 2 meters tall.
• Flowers: Blue flowers are most common, with occasional white varieties.
• Habitat: Found in open eucalypt forests, monsoon forests, and vine thickets.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various conditions.
• Position: Prefers bright, sunny locations.

Why Grow Trichodesma zeylanicum?

Northern Bluebell is a stunning and adaptable plant that thrives in both natural and cultivated settings. Its prolific flowering, edible young leaves, and traditional medicinal uses make it an excellent addition to native gardens, bush food plots, or ornamental landscapes. With its deep taproot, it’s also resilient in challenging environments.

Bush Food Note

The young leaves and shoots of Trichodesma zeylanicum are a versatile addition to meals:

• Preparation: Chop and cook with other vegetables for a nutritious and flavourful dish.
• Taste: Mild and complements various culinary styles.

Bush Medicine

Traditionally valued by Indigenous Australians for its extensive medicinal applications:

• Root Remedies:
  • Chewed or pounded roots soaked in cold water are used to treat tuberculosis, stomach ache, diarrhoea, poisoning, and snakebite.
  • Powdered roots applied externally relieve pain from wounds.
• Ash: Burnt plant ash is used in remedies for coughs and scabies.
• Decoction: Applied to sores for its soothing properties.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Use a mix of coir or seed-raising mix combined with sand or perlite for better drainage.
   • Sow seeds on the surface and press gently into the soil.

2. Position:

   • Place in a bright location with consistent light.
   • Suitable for both garden beds and container planting.

3. Care Tips:

   • Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
   • Water moderately once established; the plant is drought-tolerant.
   • Prune lightly to shape and encourage bushier growth.

Uses in Your Garden

• Ornamental Value: Vibrant blue flowers provide visual appeal to native and mixed gardens.
• Bush Food Garden: Edible leaves make it a great addition to bush food plots.
• Medicinal Garden: Perfect for those interested in growing plants with traditional uses.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts pollinators with its showy flowers.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination can occur within 2–4 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Temperature: Maintain a warm environment at 22–25°C.
• Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Light: Ensure the seeds receive bright, indirect light for healthy growth.

Order Now

Enhance your garden with the beauty and functionality of Trichodesma zeylanicum. With its striking flowers, edible leaves, and deep cultural significance, Northern Bluebell is a versatile and rewarding plant to grow.

Order your Northern Bluebell seeds today and bring a touch of Australia’s natural heritage to your landscape!