the Manna Gum
Wurundjeri people of the Melbourne region are entwined with these trees, teasing apart the word ‘wurundjeri’ provides a special insight. Wurundjeri is a Woiwurrung word, in language ‘wurun’ is the word for these beautiful white trunked trees along the Yarra’s middle and upper reaches, and ‘djeri’ is the word for the grubs found in or nearby Manna gums. Hence Wurundjeri people are the ‘Grub people of the white gum'.
Note. The late passionate local historian and author Mick Woiwod liked to translate djeri to caterpillar instead of grub, as the later can be associated with negative connotations. So Mick’s interpretation would be the 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 NT, the magical desert ranges that Alice Springs lies within. Those caterpillar hills come into being via the Arrente people’s creation story that involves extremely colourful caterpillars giving shape to part of that beautiful range. To see these colourful caterpillars is a rare desert phenomena one is lucky to witness.
Though the caterpillar associated with the Manna gums is more like those edible Witchetty grubs 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 natural world. Ecological insight as caterpillars are a seasonal food for people and Black cockatoos, but also a handy bait for fish.
In Victoria and NSW Manna gum is also known as Ribbon Gum or White Gum, its botanical name is - Eucalyptus viminalis.
In Tasmania this same tree is known as the White Gum and is a keystone tree across Tasmania’s fertile lowlands but they are much reduced in area due to clearing and pastoral expansion in the early days of the booming sheep trade. Endemic Tasmanian bird - the Forty spotted Pardalote is a White gum specialist.
#homeoftheyarra #respectforcountry
Note. The late passionate local historian and author Mick Woiwod liked to translate djeri to caterpillar instead of grub, as the later can be associated with negative connotations. So Mick’s interpretation would be the 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 NT, the magical desert ranges that Alice Springs lies within. Those caterpillar hills come into being via the Arrente people’s creation story that involves extremely colourful caterpillars giving shape to part of that beautiful range. To see these colourful caterpillars is a rare desert phenomena one is lucky to witness.
Though the caterpillar associated with the Manna gums is more like those edible Witchetty grubs 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 natural world. Ecological insight as caterpillars are a seasonal food for people and Black cockatoos, but also a handy bait for fish.
In Victoria and NSW Manna gum is also known as Ribbon Gum or White Gum, its botanical name is - Eucalyptus viminalis.
In Tasmania this same tree is known as the White Gum and is a keystone tree across Tasmania’s fertile lowlands but they are much reduced in area due to clearing and pastoral expansion in the early days of the booming sheep trade. Endemic Tasmanian bird - the Forty spotted Pardalote is a White gum specialist.
#homeoftheyarra #respectforcountry
As always - old trees are habitat for forest animals like gliders and owls
A fantastic example of an old Manna gum with a large hollow -