Common Name: Bunya-Bunya

General Information

Bunya-bunya is a large evergreen tree with a symmetrical, dome-shaped crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The bole, which can have a diameter of 150cm, is straight and undivided, often free of branches for up to two-thirds of the trees height with very little taper[].
This tree was a very important food source for the native Australians - each Aboriginal family would own a group of trees and these would be passed down from generation to generation[]. This is said to be the only case of hereditary personal property owned by the Aborigines[]. The trees were greatly over-exploited by the European settlers, who felled the vast majority for their timber, and the few remaining wild stands are usually protected in reserves and National Parks[]. The tree is often grown as an ornamental in warm temperate to tropical gardens[].
The isolated northern subpopulation has less than 100 mature individuals. Genetic investigations indicate that this population differs significantly from those in the south and that its conservation should be a priority. Southern subpopulations range in size from a few tens of trees to over 1,000. They are likely to be the remnants of an almost continuous larger population that stretched from the coastal areas into the Bunya Mountains. Despite significant exploitation in the past, the main subpopulations in southern Queensland are not currently threatened. In some areas regeneration and expansion into disused pastoral and farming areas is occurring and the majority of the subpopulations are within protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Queensland.

Habitat

Rich volcanic soils in moist valleys at low elevations near the coast[, ]. Normally found as an emergent tree over tropical rainforest, in humid areas where mists are frequent[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of warm temperate to tropical regions, mainly occurring in humid subtropical lowland areas. It is found in areas with an annual rainfall of approximately 1,050 mm and temperatures ranging between freezing and 30°c[]. Plants can experience up to 30 mild frosts each year[]..
Grows well in full sun and in part shade[]. Succeeds in most soils[]. Plants are resistant to salt spray[].
The trees generally begin to flower and fruit between the ages of 15 and 20 years[].
Male and female flowers are typically found on different parts of the same tree[]. Male flowers usually appear at the base of the crown in young trees and female flowers at the top. As the tree grows older, the male and female flowers move closer to each other[]. Bisexual flowers are also found[].
After pollination, the female flowers develop slowly; the cones maturing in about 2 years[]. They disintegrate on the tree or fall to the ground and disintegrate[].
Trees bear seeds in 1 - 2 year intervals[]. Abundant seed is produced in ‘mast years’ at approximately three-year intervals. Seeds remain in the cone until after it falls off the tree[].
Trees may coppice slightly from cut branches and stems[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a powder[, , , , ]. Starchy and delicious, it has the texture of a waxy boiled potato with the flavour of chestnuts[]. Large, it is an important food source for the Australian Aborigines[]. Cones can be up to 4.5 kilos in weight and contain up to 150 seeds[]. Individual seeds can be 25mm long and 20mm in diameter[]. Unlike most other members of this genus, the cones do not break up whilst still on the tree, but fall in one piece and subsequently break up[]. The germinating seed produces an underground 'earth nut' which has a coconut-like flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - soft, easily worked, of high quality. It is used for cabinet making, flooring, plywood etc[].
The branches are used for fencing and fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[] or it can be stored cool and moist then sown late winter in a greenhouse[, ]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The plants have a rather sparse root system and are best placed in their final positions as soon as possible. Give them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter[].