Kim Fletcher: The Beauty of Local Wildflowers – Djeran

The Beauty of Local Wildflowers – Djeran

Kim Fletcher – venerable member, Wildflower Society of WA, Armadale Branch

Noongar season Djeran is one of transition for both the bushland and the Noongar people.  The country is parched, and the plants are dried and stressed from many long days of heat and no rain; a state which quickly changes with the arrival of the first invigorating rains.  For the Noongar people it was a sign that it was time to move away from the coastal area and back to the hills and valleys of the hinterland. 

In his talk, Kim will describe that yet despite the harsh conditions the bush has endured over summer (Birak and Bunuru), there are still flowers to be discovered blooming to enliven what is generally a drab bushland.  With the first rains, the browns, yellows and dull greens of so much of the vegetation begins to disappear to be replaced by a refreshed vegetation.

Kim will explain that for the Noongar people, Djeran was a season to source two valuable staple foods – the cones of the Zamia bursting open to release their seeds and the vines of the Warrine (a yam) appear, to be dug up for the nutritious tubers.  The first orchids appear, species of heath begin to bloom and the pale yellow Manna Wattle blossom lightly perfumes the hills and valleys of the Darling Range.

Fruits of Zamia Macrozamia riedlei (Photo Kim Sarti)

PLEASE NOTE: Proof of Double-dose vaccination is required for entry to the indoor venue and masks must be worn.