Wild Bush Tomatoes and Witchetty Grubs by Sandra Nungurrayi Woods, 12x34cm FJ487SW

The Bush Tomato Solanum centrale grows in the very arid desert regions of Australia. Akatjurra is a very important food source, a staple at certain times of the year. It is a small silvery scrub that grows up to 40cm in height. It takes a trained eye to collect them as very similar looking bushes are poisonous. In this painting they are shown in a coolamon (gathering bowl) alongside the witchetty grub, another important food source which can be eaten raw or cooked ( Endoxyla leucomochla ) of the subfamily Zeuzerinae.

Born in 1970, Sandra Nungurrayi Woods is of the Anmatyerre language group. Her country is Ti-Tree, north of Alice Springs. She has been painting since the age of 18 years and is the sister of painter Dianne Nungurrayi Woods.

Her designs are influenced by the hunting trips she did with her mother and aunties out bush growing up and the stories she learnt from these times. Her subjects are women and bush tucker. Sandra has three children.