Peanut Tree

The Peanut Tree (Sterculia quadrifida) is a native Australian species valued for its unique edible seeds, which taste similar to raw peanuts. This small to medium-sized tree is known for its striking orange to red seed pods that reveal the edible nuts inside. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it thrives in a variety of climates, making it an excellent choice for home gardens or bush tucker plantings. Roast seeds or eat raw.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 2m to 5m

pH growing conditions: 6.0 to 7.5

Sun or shade: Prefers full sun, tolerates light shade

Minimum pot year 5: 30L

Time to fruit age: 4 to 5 years

Interesting notes: The seeds of the Peanut Tree are rich in protein and can be eaten raw or roasted.

This tree is highly adaptable to Australian conditions and serves as a beautiful ornamental, with its bright red pods and lush green foliage. Perfect for anyone looking to add an easy-care, low-maintenance edible tree to their garden.

Ever heard of a tree that tastes like peanuts and might fight cancer?

Meet Sterculia quadrifida — the Aussie native called the Peanut Tree. People used to just roast the seeds. Now scientists are digging deeper… and finding gold.

🧬 Fighting Hep C

Dean et al. (2019) found the bark blocks hepatitis C virus by over 90%. Yeah, from bark tea.

🦠 Kills Breast Cancer Cells

Nurina (2023) and Rollando (2022) tested bark and leaf extracts on cancer cells — and they didn’t stand a chance. IC₅₀ as low as 2.2 µg/mL.

🛡 Boosts Immune System

Purwantiningsih (2022) showed bark extracts help white blood cells gobble bad stuff better.

💥 Antioxidant Power

The root and bark extracts smashed free radicals in lab tests — just 3.1 µg/mL IC₅₀. That's potent.

😷 Fights Bacteria and Fungus

It works against E. coli, Staph, Candida, and more. Bark, leaf, and seed extracts all played a role.

This bush tucker snack might be a pharmaceutical sleeper hit. Nature’s pharmacy is right under our noses.

Would you try it? 🌿

Keywords: Peanut tree, Sterculia quadrifida, bush tucker, edible seeds, Australian native