An interesting tall shrub or small tree commonly called the Snottygobble can be found in our local bush. It stands out amongst the softer grey-green jarrahs and marries because of its bright green foliage. The correct name for this small tree is the Persoonia.  In the Eastern States this tree is referred to as the Geebung. Geebung is an Aboriginal word for the fruit which they use for food and medicine.

We have two types of this tree growing in our area, Persoonia longifolia and Persoonia elliptica. Persoonia ellipticia (also known as the Spreading Snottygobble) has light green oval leaves and yellow flowers and Persoonia longifolia (known as the Long-leaf Persoonia) has light green long thin weepy leaves, yellow flowers and flaky, papery bark.

Persoonia elliptica trees can be found on the corner of Kurrajong Street and Orchid Street, Roleystone in Kurrajong Reserve. A Persoonia longifolia can be found on the verge of the Hellenic Road Reserve.

There are two theories on why they are called "Snottygobbles"

1. by the look of the inside of the fruit. Squeeze a ripe fruit and see if you agree.
2. because the fruit is eaten (or gobbled) by the local wild pigs gobble.

They flower in summer and have fruit the size of blueberries which ripens in autumn. The fruit ripens and  falls in June to July.  The fruit is edible and very tasty and was used as bush tucker by the Noongar tribe.                                                                                                                           

Unfortunately, Snottygobbles are affected by Dieback but they can be treated. Go to our  Dieback webpage to learn about preventative measures.

 For further information on Snottygobbles:  Snottygobble.pdf