Learn about the Bunya Nut Tree

The Bunya Nut Tree (Araucaria Bidwillii)

Historically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across Australia would follow pathways to the Bunya gatherings held at the site that is now Baroon Pocket Dam (a few hundred metres from Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat).  The Bunya festivities were held during the Bunya nut season from January to February and this was a time of great trade, feasting and games.  The Bunya festival is believed to be the oldest festival in the world, that has continued to be celebrated annually.  Despite being displaced from its original location it continues to be celebrated in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland every year.

Origin and Conditions for Growing

Cultivated in many areas and, despite its sub-tropical/tropical origins, is hardy in cold areas
Too big for growing in pots – needs a large open area for optimal growth

Characteristics

Dome-shaped conifer, averaging 40m high
Quite slow to mature (starts producing at 5-7 years) and harvest occurs approximately every 3 years, in January-February Produces large cones weighing up to 5kg each and should not be planted where falling cones may cause damage or injury Long, prickly green leaves are clustered at the end of branches
Large oval shaped bundles of nuts grow off the branches

Edible Portion

Nut; found inside casing and kernel – nuts can be stored frozen in airtight bags. CAUTION: Yellow core inside the nut can cause sickness if consumed – remove this.

Nutrition

Good source of protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates High in magnesium and potassium.

Uses: Traditional and Current

Traditionally a very important food source where the green seed kernel was eaten raw or roasted as it matured. Seeds were carefully germinated in a large cane basket and eaten after a few months of being buried in the mud
Currently not commonly used as a food source, rather for furniture and planted for wind breaking.

Bake or boil the nuts to get the husk off. They can be eaten raw when fresh or chopped and made into a paste or used in damper, cakes and desserts