Bush Gardenia
Gardenia fucata
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A small compact tree. It grows 3-4 m high and spreads 2-3 m wide. The branches are crooked. The leaves are near the ends of the branches. They are narrow and oval. The leaf blade is 3-6 cm long by 0.8-1.8 cm wide. The flowers are large and white. They have a scent. They are 2-4 cm across and occur singly at the end of branches. The fruit is oval and 2 cm long by 1.5-1.8 cm wide. Fruit are brown when ripe. There are many seeds.
There are about 200 Gardenia species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in open forests and on rocky escarpments in northern Australia. It suits seasonally dry tropical regions in an open sunny and well drained position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a flavouring herb for cooking kangaroo meat.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Andjungkurrk