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Catalogue Number: 26/95
The salt bush is a strong desert plant that grows wild across the hot, dry country of Central Australia. It is often found near waterholes, creek beds, and sandy open areas where the soil holds a little bit of moisture. Even in long dry times, the salt bush stays alive. Its soft, silvery leaves help protect it from the harsh sun and hot winds.
After a big rain, the plant wakes up. New shoots appear, and small berries begin to grow. At first the berries are pale, but as they ripen they turn a dark black colour. This is when they are ready to eat. The berries have a salty, slightly sweet taste that many families enjoy. The leaves can also be dried and used as a seasoning for cooking.
The curved shapes in the painting are the women sitting together collecting the salt bush berries.
For generations, Aboriginal women living in this remote desert region have gone out onto their Country to collect these berries.