Mick Quilliam

The Grasstree is a unique form featured throughout the Australian landscape and an exceptionally useful plant throughout Aboriginal Culture. The plant provides edible starch, shoots and sweet beads of nectar. Flower spikes can be used as fire sticks and the gum/resin can be used as a glue. Honeyeaters and other pollinating birds are easily lured to the flower of the Grasstree. For me, the Grasstree represents freshness within the landscape, a new start, the beginning of longer days. Their unmistakable and prominent form throughout the Australian bush represents the empowerment of individuals within our culture. Their resilient nature after a burning represents the strength of character of our people. For me, the Grasstree is a symbol of my home, my country.