ABC_Organic_Gardener_-_November_2019

PHOTO: ISTOCK

ORGANIC PLT

BEACH NS,

ROUND-LEAF PIGC

Disphyma crassifolium

A native Australian perennial with a profusion of

cheery pink flowers, Beach Bananas is also native to

New Zealand and South Africa. Its leaves are shaped

like tiny green bananas and are crunchy when eaten.

A coastal plant, it is tolerant of a wide variety of

soil types and will establish a dense ground cover,

or form a cascade from a hanging basket. It grows

easily from cuttings, if allowed to dry out for a few

days before planting into a coarse mix. It’s also an

excellent fire retardant, so safe near the house. Use

leaves as garden snacks or in salads; try them in

a stir-fry. Available from native plant nurseries.

Ground

cover to

20cmH

1mW

Plant

spring —

autumn

Fullsun

KAREN SUTHERLAND CHOOSES

FOUR EDIBLE, WATERWISE

SUCCULENTS, WHICH ARE

PERFECT FOR THE HOT

MONTHS AHEAD.

HOT

SUCLENT