MAGNIFICENT MAGNOLIAS AND HOW TO EAT THEM
It’s springtime in eastern Australia, and one of the plants that makes sure we all notice the shift in seasons is the gorgeously showy magnolia. Magnolias are ancient plants, with fossilised records dating back 20 milions years ago. They never fail to impress, and many a gardener chooses to have this magnificent tree in their garden bringing colour and grandeur.
Right now you can’t miss them as the 5-25cm big, white-to-red-to-purple flowers present themselves on an otherwise naked tree. This happens just before the leaves appear. This is the widespread Magnolia soulangeana and hybrids.
Did you know that the flower petals and buds are edible? And make for an excellent pickle which is much appreciated in places like the UK , Korea, and Japan.
Where to find magnolias
Magnolias in Australia grow as far south as Tasmania all the way up to Far North Queensland. See map below There are several varieties of the species and you are bound to find one in your neighbourhood if you live in the east of Australia. According to the records on Australia Living Atlas, they do not occur in Western Australia. Please let me know if this is not the case and you have in fact spotted one there.
It is most likely you will find magnolia in gardens and parks. Some councils plant them as street trees, like they do here in Lithgow, on Wiradjuri country, Central NSW where I call home.
Have a look at the little video below of me harvesting magnolia flowers and Marnee of Forage to Feast creating some yummy pickles. Full article with recipes and more info on my website here>