Bunuru (Feb & Mar)

Click the sound file to hear the Nyungar word:

The region experiences hot northerly winds and a shortage of fresh water. During this season, the fruits of the Jeeriji (zamia, Macrozamia riedlei) were collected and the toxin removed. Wattle seeds, banksia blossoms and various roots were collected. The succulent fruits of the epiphyte Nyilla – nyilla (Mistletoe, Lysiana casuarinae) were eaten. The bulbs of the Born or Mardja (bloodroot, Haemodorum spicatum) were collected and roasted for use as a spice. A sweet drink was made by pulling the blossoms off flowering gum trees, steeping them in water, and drinking the water. Tailor and Kalkarda (sea mullet) were trapped or speared in shallow water. Marron, Gilgies, Gooya (burrowing frogs) and Buyi (tortoises) were collected from wetlands. Climbing trees for Coomal (brushtail possums) took place. In late summer and autumn of each year, families would traditionally get together in large numbers around freshwater sources along the coast, to hold their annual meetings and gatherings.

Photo Babs and Bert Wells - Nyilla nyilla