Akatyerre (Desert Raisin) SP7763-Selina Teece Pwerle

Selina depicts the Akatyerre which is the Anmatyerre word for the bush tomato, wild sultana or desert raisin (Solanum centrale). The clonal under-shrub of the akatyerre can grow on spinifex sand plains throughout Central Australia, often found across from mulga areas. It produces beautiful purple flowers and soft green leaves. The akatyerre grow in good moisture conditions and are heavily dependant on fire to obtain maximum potential. This fruit is probably the most important of all Central Australian plant foods due to its abundance and widespread availability most of the year. Once collected, the Aboriginal women eat the akatyerre raw or grind them into a paste before being consumed. The paste can also be rolled into balls and dried to store during long periods of drought. This practice is not as habitual now. There is a Dreamtime story that belongs to the akatyerre for Selina and the people of her country. Ceremonies are performed to demonstrate respect for this story and maintain the existence of the akatyerre plant.