PIGFACE. It’s a pretty ugly name for a beautiful flower. But for the Noongar people in WA’s South West region, it is called “bain”.
And it is one of the many native plants and flowers that were foraged long before European settlement.
Troy Bennell, who runs Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours, says it is really good as a dessert too.
“We take off the head, then we squeeze the juice and seeds onto the ice cream – it’s got to be Peter’s ice cream, though, otherwise it doesn’t follow true family tradition,” he said with a laugh.
As well as food and medicine, pigface/bain is also used to make hunting and gathering tools. But the ancient knowledge, handed down through generations, as to how and when the flowers can be used is critically important.
“You can’t just harvest pigface any time, you need to recognise when it’s right,” Troy said. “The signs are in the colour and maturity of the flower.”
For the Noongar, August and September mark the djilba season. Characterised by the blooming of wildflowers, this is the time when, traditionally, they would journey to the coast.
Joey Williams from Poornarti Aboriginal Tours said the wildflower season is an exciting time of year.
“The donkey orchids, spider orchids and such are a part of our ‘potato’ family harvest; the yellow blooms signify the colour of fat – the kangaroos have grown fat on the new growth of spring,” he said.
The Noongar calendar comprises six seasons: birak (December, January), bunuru (February, March), djeran (April, May),
makuru (June, July), djilba (August/September) and kambarang (October, November).
- For information on cultural tours and experiences, visit the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, www.waitoc.com
