the Manna Gum
In Woiwurrung language Wurun is the word for the beautiful white trunked tree along the Yarra middle and upper reaches the Manna Gum, and Djeri - is the word for grub found in or nearby Manna Gums. Hence Wurundjeri people are the ‘Grub people of the White Gum'.
Note. passionate local historian and author Mick Woiwod likes to say – caterpillar instead of grub, as the later can be seen to have negative connotations.
So another interpretation would be Wurundjeri people are the ‘Caterpillar people of the White Gum'. I particularly like this as it reminds me of the caterpillar hills of Alice Springs – the MacDonnell Ranges that Alice Springs lies within, and an extremely colourful caterpillar associated with Creation stories of Arrente people. Though the juvenile caterpillar is more like a white Witchetty Grub from Central Australia in appearance. Hence the Wurundjeri Tribal Council notes the connection with the Witchetty Grub on their webpage.
This is all insight into Wurundjeri people’s profound connection with the Manna Gum and hints of the ecology of the tree with a connection to a particular insect at juvenile stage of life associated with the Manna.
Mannas are also known as Ribbon Gum or White Gum, its botanical name is - Eucalyptus viminalis.
#HomeoftheYarra #RespectforCountry
Note. passionate local historian and author Mick Woiwod likes to say – caterpillar instead of grub, as the later can be seen to have negative connotations.
So another interpretation would be Wurundjeri people are the ‘Caterpillar people of the White Gum'. I particularly like this as it reminds me of the caterpillar hills of Alice Springs – the MacDonnell Ranges that Alice Springs lies within, and an extremely colourful caterpillar associated with Creation stories of Arrente people. Though the juvenile caterpillar is more like a white Witchetty Grub from Central Australia in appearance. Hence the Wurundjeri Tribal Council notes the connection with the Witchetty Grub on their webpage.
This is all insight into Wurundjeri people’s profound connection with the Manna Gum and hints of the ecology of the tree with a connection to a particular insect at juvenile stage of life associated with the Manna.
Mannas are also known as Ribbon Gum or White Gum, its botanical name is - Eucalyptus viminalis.
#HomeoftheYarra #RespectforCountry