Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Boenja-boenja, Bunya pine

Family: Araucariaceae (Araucaria)

Distribution: Australia

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Comments: Its most popular use is as a 'bushfood' by indigenous foods enthusiasts. A huge variety of home-invented recipes now exists for the bunya nut; from pancakes, biscuits and breads, to casseroles, to 'bunya nut pesto' or hummus. The nut is considered nutritious, with a unique flavour similar to starchy potato and chestnut. When the nuts are boiled in water, the water turns red, making a flavoursome tea.