amanogawa

There's plenty of aboriginal people living in remote central australian communities, on their own land, living within a hybridised culture, though very much aboriginal, in distinct tribe/language groups, still speaking their own language, and often 2 other aboriginal languages before speaking english, which they do for the benefit of whites.. still get initiated to various degrees, have ceremony, strong connection to land, dreaming spirituality, smoking babies and mothers, scarification, horrific payback fights, see their own doctors, etc etc Though the communities are 3rd world; lots of dusty rubbish strewn about, shitty functional houses scrawled with graffiti and mangy camp dogs trawling around in packs. Pituri is still chewed regularly, by old and young, though most of the time they don't collect pituri, unless they take it from the road side (lots of Sand pituri at certain times of year in the disturbed soil on the verges of tracks). Rock pituri (gossei?) grows in many places but not in great abundance, so hard to harvest large amounts at one time. though it is considered stronger/better and sort after in traditional trade. Having said that, most central oz aboriginals just buy 'Log Cabin" tinned tobacco, cut it with the white acacia ash (they take care in choosing the right tree at particular state of greeness/dryness) and chew in wads. they tuck behind the ears or back in the tin for reuse too. datura liechardtii (sp?) grows in abundance in the river beds. (for close to Alice, try Red bank gorge a little further west of Glen Helen) It has been here since before white settlement. perhaps 500 years. It was intially considered native, but studies show its the same one as in central/sth america. Explain that, eh. It is used, but i do not know to what degree, and in what context. THere are always insurmountable cultural divides, and not all local people were aware of it. I asked an old warlpiri guy about its use, and he thought for a bit, picked up the prickly seed pod and said "rubbish pituri, no good this one. take him and this will grow in your heart.' (meening the prickly seed pod) he acknowledged its use, but said to stay clear basically. I wonder why. 'yarla' or bush potato varieties are interesting too, ipomea varieties, they are sprawling vines that look like morning glory in form and flower. the underground growths are dug for and eaten. in Peter Latz's book there is one reference to use of the seed, but not in other tribes. Its activity is unknown. I asked Nic Petersen, a visiting anthropologist from ANU who has been working with locals since the 70's, and he did not know of its use. He and his wife, a botanist, did some comprehensive studies on plant use up there a few decades back that maybe somewhere on the net. Nicolas Rothwell the journalist and writer has recently released a book called "Another Country" that talks about the centre and the north and aboriginal people. one article in particular may interest members, about A gibson desert shaman/doctor still working today, mr giles. Check it out at: www.kayili.com.au/uploads/17_may_2003.doc As for recreational use, lots of booze and bud, both cause horrendous damage. THe newpaper says the petrol sniffing scourge is all but over, but i'm sceptical.

Try as she might, I'm afraid mum's none too computer literate, so a posted photo isn't possible. Yeah, you're right, a bit of extrapolated knowledge should go a long way. Will ask mum to throw some food on it and keep a close eye. if it doesnt come good we'll give something else a try.

Thanks mescalito. Its been a hardy little one so far, so it should come good with the right care. A

Hi everyone. this is my first post. I've been dipping into the site for some time, gleaning bits and pieces here and there..the extent of knowledge and interest continues to amaze me. Thanks. Anyway, i'm away and my mum is taking care of my cactii... After my last visit home it became apparent she's much better with the cactii than me especially with the pedros:) ... but she had a question i wasn't sure how to answer. My williamsii and diffusa are in the same large tray style pot. THe williamsii are happy enough (though i have been concerned about the pot depth with the root), but the diffusa is yellowing a little and feels weak. it hasnt really grown in the 7 years ive had it, though it had some pretty rough moves at one point. Should it be in a seperate pot and how can mum get it back to a vital colour? Its in cactii mix and watered sparingly.. Perhaps its seasonal, but Mum lost a plate style succulent once and still talks about it, so any help would be greatly appreciated. A [ 26. June 2004, 21:29: Message edited by: amanogawa ]