By Kieran Tapsell of Banksia Bushcare

Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina) is a small shrub that might grow into a tree of four metres. It has very shiny and alternate leaves and scented white flowers and sweet edible berries. The fruit is often used as a spice in cooking, jellies and jams. It can even be dried and crushed, then used as a spice.

Bolwarra is the Aboriginal name for this native guava, and like a guava it has many seeds. It is sometimes known as Copper Laurel, because of the coppery tones of its leaves in winter and spring.

There were none growing naturally in the Stanwell Avenue Reserve, but there is a lot of it about half-way up the track from Stanwell Park to the top of Bald Hill, mixed in with Synoum glandulosum (Unscented Rosewood). We have planted one along the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track, and another further to the west. 

Is your New Year's resolution to join a Bushcare group? Find a list of Wollongong groups here