Like Christmas lunches by the seashore, Australians have by no means been shy to place their distinctive spin on yuletide traditions.
With shortages stopping many households from getting their arms on Christmas bushes this 12 months, horticulturalists are urging consumers to undertake a uniquely Australian resolution – native Christmas bushes.
Ross Hooper, supervisor of Zanthorrea native plant nursery in Perth’s outer suburbs, says Australian natives are a wise various to the standard pines native to the northern hemisphere that dominate the market.
One ersatz Christmas tree gaining in reputation is the woolly bush (Adenanthos sericeus), a species endemic to the south coast of Western Australia.
A sexy silver-green shrub that may develop to a couple meters in peak, its velvety smooth foliage makes it a perfect plant for the family, Mr Hooper stated.
“That is in all probability the preferred one we promote,” he advised AAP.
“They work properly as a Christmas tree. Folks can maintain them inside for as much as a month, adorn them up and plant them out within the backyard in the event that they need to afterwards.”
Not like radiata pines, that are historically utilized in Australia, woolly bushes don’t must be reduce right down to be displayed in the home and can carry on dwelling properly after Christmas is over.
Furthermore, they’re properly suited to rising in pots and don’t require a lot water or fertiliser, making them a simple plant to take care of.
‘Price celebrating’
Whereas Mr Hooper stated there was nothing improper with shopping for a conventional pine tree if that is what a buyer needed, Australian natives had many advantages.
“Australia’s obtained superb, distinctive flora,” he stated. “It is value celebrating the pure flora that we have.”
Mr Hooper stated different native crops may additionally make good Christmas tree options, such because the Rottnest Island pine, the traditional Wollemi pine and even small eucalypts.
The fuchsia gum (Eucalyptus forrestiana), with its putting crimson flowers, is a pretty possibility if prospects don’t thoughts a non-traditional tree form.
Aesthetic and useful motivations apart, native crops have one main benefit this 12 months – worth.
East coast floods have decimated pine shares, with bushes shorter than 182cm promoting for as much as $200, virtually 40 per cent greater than final 12 months.
With native options available in nurseries across the nation, it would not take a smart man to keep away from the Christmas disaster.
-AAP
