No. 767. Study of the Bunya-Bunya
Purchase This Item For Download
world rights, single editions, non exclusive use
Other options available, please contact us for more details
Oil on board, no date. Study of the Bunya-Bunya. This noble Conifer, Araucaria Bidwillii, Hook., is perhaps the most valuable food-tree indigenous in Australia, and only grows on one semi-circle of hills, within 100 miles in stretch, between the Brisbane and Burnett rivers, Queensland. The larger of the older trees are nearly 200 feet high, with a circumference of trunk of about twenty-five feet; and the horizontal markings on the pillar-like trunks make them very conspicuous amongst other trees. But what is most remarkable about these trees is that they are the only hereditary property any of the aborigines are known to possess. Each tribe has its own group of trees, and each family a certain tree or trees; and any interference with these rights leads to a bloody fight. The larger cones are a foot long and nine inches in diameter; and they are full of edible nuts (seeds) as large as chestnuts. Every third year there is an extra large crop, when the natives assemble from all parts to collect it. By an act of the Colonial Government the Bunya-Bunya is strictly preserved for the use and sustenance of the aborigines. Look at 713, 771, 773'. [Entry from the Official Guide to the North Gallery'. Fifth Edition, 1892]
Copyright © RBG KEW
Media ID 654407
Date: 3rd December 2007
Author: North, Marianne (1830-1890)
Filename: NOR_M_767_060915pl767.jpg
Image Size: 4356 x 6663 Pixels
Filesize is 30.45MB
Version 2 is 13.61MB
Associated Categories: Landscapes
Associated Categories: Marianne North
Keywords: 19th century, 767, araucariaceae, australia, board, exploration, explorer, food, forest, marianne north, no 767 study of the bunya bunya, oil, paintings, queens land, tree, useful plants, women artists