Tree Science eBook - Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
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<strong>Therapeutic</strong> <strong>Uses</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Common</strong> <strong>Backyard</strong> <strong>Tree</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>Plants</strong><br />
16. Kakadu plums<br />
Also known as the Billygoat Plum or<br />
terminalia ferdin<strong>and</strong>iana, this little<br />
plum is packed with as much Vitamin<br />
C as 50 oranges! Unsurprisingly, it<br />
was a major source <strong>of</strong> food <strong>and</strong> thirstquenching<br />
for Indigenous Australian<br />
tribes wherever it could be found.<br />
<strong>Therapeutic</strong> benefits<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the world’s richest sources <strong>of</strong> vitamin C, the Kakadu<br />
Plum can be used in many different ways. Kakadu plums have<br />
been said to both treat <strong>and</strong> prevent cancer thanks to the<br />
ellagic acid it contains, which helps to maintain healthy human<br />
tissues. Kakadu plums have also been said to <strong>of</strong>fset the effects<br />
<strong>of</strong> Alzheimer’s disease.<br />
Not only do these olive-sized fruits provide a host <strong>of</strong> health<br />
advantages, but they can also be utilised for their beauty<br />
benefits. Kakadu plum is used in many beauty products, as it<br />
can help maintain levels <strong>of</strong> collagen <strong>and</strong> elastic for lustre <strong>and</strong><br />
shine. Both anti-aging <strong>and</strong> anti-acne products get great results<br />
from adding Kakadu plum.<br />
How to grow Kakadu plum trees<br />
Those wanting to grow Kakadu plums need to have a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
patience! The seeds tend to be dormant, so you will have<br />
to s<strong>and</strong> or file your seed to get it growing. Expect around 6<br />
months to 2 years until your seed even starts germinating.<br />
Plant your seed just a centimetre under your soil, in full sun.<br />
Keep watering until you see the seedling sprout.<br />
Kakadu plum trees thrive best in tropical climates, <strong>and</strong> can<br />
grow up to 10 meters tall. The best time to harvest your<br />
Kakadu plum fruits will be in April, May <strong>and</strong> June.<br />
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