boabs

There are boab trees dotted all over The Kimberleys, and they all seem to have a personality. The bulbous trunk and thick branches give them a human quality. They are tall, short, fat, thin and sometimes bent over in various postions. The older trees have scarred, rock-hard trunks and the younger ones have a bit more spring. A local artist has also seen the human qualities of the boab. The trunk swells during the wet season to store water so it doesn't go thirsty when the rain stops. They are also found in Madagascar and mainland Africa.

One theory about how boabs arrived in Australia is that the large seedpods simply floated across the ocean. Each one can stay viable for up to 20 years. Another more interesting theory is that the seeds were carried across during a very early people migration. This is supported by the discovery of ancient "Bradshaw" style rock art in The Kimberleys. This art is also found in Madagascar and Africa.

The famous boab prison tree - estimated to be 1400 years old.

Camping in the shade

The long, human figures in the background are Bradshaw paintings.

The boab nut contains an edible, white substance. It has the texture of a Violet Crumble and a citrus flavour. Yes, we ate some.