'KONDRUNG' KICK BUSH (Astroloma Serratifolium) Seeds

Kondrung is a low or erect spreading shrub between 0.1-1.2 m high and to 2 m wide. The name Kick Bush comes from early settlers kicking the prostrate bushes over to see if ripe berries were underneath.

Astroloma serratifolium can exceed a metre (4’) in height, but unless very old seldom exceeds half that height, although it may spread substantially. The leaves are sharply pointed with finely serrated edges.

The red/pink tubular flowers grow around 1.5 cm in length and may attract honeyeaters. Like many heaths they can be long flowering.

 Due to this opportunistic flowering habit, plus occurring in several climate zones, the plant is known to flower at any time of the year.

Suitable for light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. And tolerates acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (found often in light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Bush food:

Fruit - raw or cooked

Prized as bush tucker for its small fleshy berries that are eaten when soft.

A slightly tart flavour, it can be eaten raw or used in jams etc.

Cultivators are warned to be wary of its sharp serrated leaves when harvesting.