Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

Family: Proteaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Telopea speciosissima is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet beverage. — The flowers produce copious amounts of nectar, this can be sipped directly or used to make a sweet beverage.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone soils. (Zone 8)