The Boab Prison Tree In Derby

Boabs are the only member of the genus Adansonia. Africa has one species and there are six on the island of Madagascar, that’s right, ask King Julian...!

The Nyikina people of Derby call the boab tree Larrkardiy and it has many uses including food, medicine, string, water in its hollow cavities and shade for camping.

The boab trees are hollow so has no growth rings to determine age. However, some of the very large trees could be thousands of years old and can withstand bush fires and droughts. They have historical and cultural significance to the indigenous people and are one of the key symbols of their heritage and stories. The Boab nut is used for art and decorative purposes with many aboriginal stories and wildlife calved into the shells of the nut.

We visit the Boab Prison tree this morning as we await our pick up for our overnight Horizontal Falls trip.

Before Derby was established in 1883, Aboriginal people were kidnapped from the West Kimberley. The kidnappers known as Blackbirders were settlers connected with the Pearl industry and they needed divers and workers for the pearling boats. Aboriginals were put in chains, marched to the coast and held captive in the Boab Prison Tree until a boat transfer arrived and they were shipped to do hard labour.

The prisoners brought to Derby via the Boab Prison Tree came from as far away as Fitzroy Crossing and Christmas Creek, walking in chains 24 to 48km each day.

Today, the Boab Prison Tree is sacred land. Its an ancient tree that has stood the test of time and survived floods, droughts, fire, lightning storms and prison folk.

On the way back to Derby town centre, I spot a large boab tree that has grown on a 45 degree angle so I can’t resist climbing it.Read more