Thursday, January 8, 2009

Balga - Keeper of the Trail

When we came across this figure beside a trail in Western Australia we thought that, perhaps, we should have brushed up on our Aboriginal legends before venturing out. Actually, despite the authoritative stance, it's a grass tree (Xanthorrhoea preissii). Because it's trunk is frequently blackened by bush fires it was commonly called 'Black Boy' (in less politically correct times).