Wupupupkaji, Silky Grevillea, Darwin Silky Oak, Ferny Leave Silky Oak, Fern Leaved Grevillea, Wiyinti, Golden Grevillea, Golden Tree, Yatjja and Golden Parrot Tree - the name used for Grevillea pteridifolia depends very much on where you come from.
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This beautiful, slender dark trunked tree has orange flowers that are seen in our area at the start of the Jawoyn season of Malapbar, or cold weather season.
Further west the appearance of the flowers signals that the warmer, build-up conditions are soon on their way.
Grevillea pteridifolia produces large amounts of nectar that can be sucked straight from the flower or used in a sweet, refreshing drink.
The nectar is also an important source of food for birds and bees.
The strong wood is used in a variety of ways depending on your location - boomerangs, clap sticks, spears, woomeras and digging sticks can all be made from the tough, springy wood.
In western regions of the Northern Territory charcoal from burnt pieces of timber can be mixed with fat or water and used as body paint for dancing.
Over two thirds of our modern day antibiotics have been originally sourced from plants and the microbes that are found living on them.
There have been some potentially useful chemical compounds found in microbes that live on this particular Grevillea.
The many historical and potential uses of this plant are a reminder that it is so important for us as a community to ensure that the incredibly complex and beautiful habitat in our region is protected.
Who knows how we might be able to use this spectacular plant in the future.
For related stories:
> Connect To Country - Cluster Fig
> Connect To Country - Carnivorous plants
> Connect To Country - Walks
> Connect To Country - Burton's Legless Lizard
> Connect To Country - Be Prepared
> Connect To Country - Insects
