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Catalogue Number: 26/253
This painting tells the story of the saltbush, a strong desert plant that grows across Central Australia. Saltbush often appears after good rain, especially around waterholes, claypans, and under the shade of gidgee trees. Even in the harsh heat and long dry spells, this plant survives because it is well adapted to the desert country.
After rain, the saltbush produces small berries. These berries have a salty sweet taste and when they turn black, they are ready to eat. Aboriginal families have used these berries for a long time. Sometimes the berries are soaked in warm water to make tea, which has an earthy flavour. The leaves of the plant can also be used for seasoning food.