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Catalogue Number: 23/159
This painting shows the long green leaves of the river gum tree. These trees grow in the sandy soil along creek beds and around waterholes in Central Australia. Even when the country looks dry, the river gums stay strong because their roots reach deep into the ground to find water.
Sometimes, on the back of the gum leaves, you can find something special called sugar leaf. It is a natural sweet treat that appears in certain seasons. Aboriginal people say it looks a little bit like fairy floss. It forms when tiny insects feed on the leaves and leave behind a sweet, fluffy coating that dries in the sun.
For families living out bush, sugar leaf is a favourite surprise to find. Children and adults enjoy tasting it when they are walking on Country.