Approximately 180km west of Katherine, showing four seasons
|January||February March||April May June July August||September October November||December|
Ngurruwun - hot weather time September to December
This is the hot weather time when the ground becomes very hot to walk on. The first rains begin but they are inconsistent. It is also the time of flowering for many plants including Binin and Dangirndi (Melaleuca spp.). Bardigi (Terminalia grandiflora), Galarwarriny (Eucalyptus confertiflora) and Yiwung (Antidesma ghesaembilla).
Fruits available in this season include Gulid (Buchanania obovata), Mirdiwan (Ficus racemosa) and Belwern (Syzygium eucalyptoides and S. forte). Jen-gen (Brachychiton megaphyllus) begins to flower to indicate the start of this season.
The appearance of March flies in September or October indicates the end of the dry season and beginning of the buildup. When they start biting it also indicates that freshwater crocodiles are laying their eggs.
The ripe pale pink fruit of the Belwern (pink apple) are ready for eating. The fruit can be collected by scooping them off the top of the water as they float along with the current. This species grows in the river country, Yirrgulun. The fruit of the Belwern (white apple) are also ready for eating. The papery bark of this species can also be used to cover the top of ground ovens before covering with earth ready for cooking. The species also grows in Yirrgulun.
The fruit of the Gulid are eaten when ripe, green but soft to touch. The fruits are considered to have high Vitamin C levels. Flowers are produced during the hot, dry period, the same time that Mango trees flower. Some birds, Jigjig eat the flowers. The fruits are also eaten by kangaroos and wallabies, Gangman, and also some birds such as parrots and friar birds. Fruit are available when the early rains are falling, the same time that Mango fruit are produced. The fruit are often collected from the ground.
The swollen tap root of the young Gulid plants may be eaten raw or roasted. The leaves and bark may be boiled in water and the liquid used for as a washing medicine to treat skin sores and scabies. The young roots of this plant are used to treat toothache. The roots are heated on the fire and then held against the painful tooth to relieve pain.
Permission to use the Wardaman seasonal calendar is granted by Mr Bill Harney Snr, Chairman, Wardaman Aboriginal Corporation.