The last walk around Lake Leschenultia in April was on a cool overcast day, I kept hoping for rain sadly none appeared.
I noticed the vibrant red fruit of a Zamia palm also called Jeeriji by Noongar people.
Zamia palms are living fossils they have survived many extinction events, these are primitive gymnosperms , which means that the palm produces seeds without flowers. It's estimated to have been around for several hundred million years.
Unless prepared properly, the seeds are toxic. The Noongar people roasted the fruit and also ground them for flour. They used the plant medicinally as well to treat headaches and fever.
They also used resin from the plant to treat cuts and other injuries.
The zamia plant is seen as sacred and is used in certain ceremonies.
Due to loss of habitat, this species is under threat so there are steps being taken to protect them.
Emus, ravens and silver eyes feast on the seeds.
The clumps of gymnopilus junonius mushrooms were still adding a splash of colour around the base of a tree.
These are highly toxic, even the birds and animals avoid them.
They a very pretty hue though.
There was also another interesting creamy coloured fungus on another tree, which I haven't been able to identify as yet...
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