Australian Native Elderberry

Australia is home to two native elderberry species

Genus: Sambucus

Family: Adoxaceae

Species: Sambucus australasica (yellow berry) native to the east coast of Australia in rainforest climate.

Species: Sambucus gaudichaudiana (white berry, picture below) native to the cooler forests of the east and south east coast of Australia.

Traditional Food

Like their European relative, the native species produce umbels of flowers and clusters of small, edible berries. The Australian native varieties produce a less coloured, sweeter and less astringent berry as the European species is high in anthocyanins.

Image Credit: Natasha Burns

Sambucus Gaudichaudiana, Swan Lake, Phillip Island VIC