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There are many types of native bees found in South West Queensland. A careful eye and great tracking skills enable Aboriginal people to follow native bees back to their nests high in hollow trees. The tree was usually chopped down and all the contents of the hive were removed and placed in a paper-bark container. The contents include honey, wax, yellow pollen balls and dead bees. Honey was seen as a much prized bush food and is often given as gifts. Large quantities of honey and pollen mixed with water was used to clean the gut. Bush honey was collected in a paper-bark trough tied at the ends. Nectars grevillia. Nectar-baring flowers like bottlebrush, grevillia, banksia, hakea and the grass tree were sucked for their sweet nectar and taste. By immersing the flowers in water, a sweet tasting drink is made. Often this was done when the due was still on the grass and plants. Blossoms of some plants were collected and kneaded in a coolamon. The flowers were then removed and water was mixed with the residue to make a sweet drink. Fruits, vegetables, minerals and animals all come from the bush. Traditionally these were hunted and gathered in various ways by different people. There are many distinct processes involved in selecting and preparing animal, vegetable and mineral products for use. Over many thousands of years Aboriginal people have perfected the skill of obtaining and preparing these natural materials into edible foods and medicines. Sources: Swue White, Community member, Sunshine Coast Region, Charlie Waters, Cultural Research Officer, South West Region, Tami Dreise, Project Officer, South West Region.
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