Meeting a collector of Western Australian flora | Australian native plants | Gardening Australia

Richard McDowell aka Captain Quandong is a propagator, grower, and collector of Western Australian native flora especially the versatile bush food - the quandong. Subscribe 🔔 ab.co/GA-subscribe
So, enamoured is he by the native fruit that he has coined the term ‘Quandongery’ to describe his love of quandongs.
“It just appeared in my brain one day and that was it,” Richard said.
He credits his wife of nearly 30 years Ballardong woman, Lola for his knowledge of bush foods. Shortly after getting married, they would often find themselves in search of plants in the Western Australian wheatfields. When their daughters Esther and Emily-Jane were younger the family would go four-wheel drive exploring on Lola’s Country, further strengthening Richard’s appreciation of the unique and diverse Western Australian flora, especially the “quintessentially Aussie bush tucker species” the quandong.
The large shrub or small tree is found across many parts of southern Australia with a single quandong tree able to develop into a quandong system, with new trees appearing from the roots. The semi-parasitic species latches its roots onto other species, helping itself to some of its water and nutrients.
It’s the fruit from the quandong that’s the real prize, characterised by a rich outer flesh high in Vitamin C and antioxidants with a unique sour taste
“It’s definitely Australia’s own superfood,” Richard said.
The versatile fruit can be used in jams and chutneys, it’s great in pies, particularly when paired with apples and even mulberries with added ice cream or cream.
Not only does Richard eat them he propagates quandongs from seeds, removing the flesh then using a hammer to crack the outer shell allowing oxygen and air to reach the kernel.
Richards’s love of nature started at around the age of five. Growing up in the Ballyclare countryside of Northern Ireland he recalled one afternoon walking through the fields with his grandfather and being left in wonderment at being able to pick and eat a small pea.
“That memory has stayed with me ever since,” Richard said.
This memory would sow the seeds for his future return to Australia. Born in the town of Northam about 95 kilometres northwest of Perth, Richard spent the first 18 months in Australia before his parents returned to Ireland. But he was drawn back to his birth country in his late teens and so it was inevitable his life centres around growing and planting Australian natives. Part of the attraction for Richard is witnessing the diversity of birds and insects attracted to the native wildlife.
At home in Joondalup, in Perth the family have created a native, biodiverse conservation verge, featuring local native Western Australia flora.
Daughter Esther uses the plants in her native floral art with much of her recent work in the last two years exploring the importance of place and endemic species. She explores the theme of being homesick on your own country as a homage to her mother’s Country.
Featured plants :
QUANDONG   - Santalum acuminatum 
___________________________________________
Gardening Australia is an ABC TV program providing gardening know-how and inspiration. Presented by Australia's leading horticultural experts, Gardening Australia is a valuable resource to all gardeners through the television program, the magazine, books, DVDs and extensive online content.
Watch more: iview.abc.net.au/programs/gard...
Facebook: / gardeningaustralia
Instagram: / gardeningaustralia
Web: www.abc.net.au/gardening
___________________________________________
This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation CZcams channel. Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC's Online Conditions of Use www.abc.net.au/conditions.htm (Section 3).

[@jalbu8330]

So so interesting, lovely to see a whole family working together and appreciating our indigenous plants. Beautiful artwork too. 😊❤️

[@jenenamaughan1992]

Such a wonderful garden, I live in Perth & aspire to have a native garden like yours, this is what we should be cultivating more.

[@FairleyTrashed]

Beautiful verge, inspiring family ❤️💛🖤

[@KashikiNeetuKKN]

Beautiful place ,beautiful plant , beautiful flowers ,looking too much gorgeous everything , yummy fruit , I joined you 👍

Que lindo lugar 👏🏾 natureza é fantástica!🌹
Família linda 🌹

[@Bernie5172]

what a beautiful family

[@gardeningfarmerboy]

Beautiful!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Jellies? I think he means jams.
They used to grow at Coogee, just up the road from here in Mandurah.

[@pamelataylor3537]

He did say jams, chutneys and jellies, I think you must have missed a little bit of the video.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@pamelataylor3537 I've eaten them stewed and as jam. Jelly, to me, seems improbable.

[@pamelataylor3537]

@@oneeyedphotographer I’ve never had them so I wouldn’t have any idea.

[@GardeningIndonesia]

Nice, good gardening

[@Aquinilia]

What a beautiful related inspiring family ❤ and i just know "quandong tree" thank you for share this wonderful video 👍🏻 love from Indonesia

[@GardeningAustralia]

Thank you so much!

[@Ladlirecipeandlifestyle]

Very beautiful video thanks for sharing dear I am your new subscriber

[@slimytoad1447]

love the northern irish accent mate

[@socoperez8114]

Por favor subtitular en español, gracias.

[@andyk8322]

He didn’t mind going onto private properties and digging up plants for he’s yen use

[@brianquinn5060]

Lovely to see and hear such old customs that the first people want to share with the white man, that devastated their lives past and present.