Marri is a large tree which can grow to over 30 m. It is common on the coastal plain, on the Darling Range and in the Southwest. Species in the Corymbia genus are known as “bloodwoods” because of the dark red gum they bleed. “Marri” is a Nyoongar word for blood.
The fruits are large and urn-shaped, and known colloquially as “honkey nuts”. This name is thought to be a corruption of “hockey nuts”, which referred to their use in games. The large black seeds they harbour are an important food source for cockatoos. Scouts hollow them out and use them as “woggles” for securing their scarves. They were the inspiration for children’s author May Gibbs’ “gumnut babies”, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
Flowers are produced from mid summer to late autumn and marri nectar makes excellent honey.
Ref:
“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.
“Pathway to magic: the story of May Gibbs in Western Australia” by Jean Lang. Published by Challenge Bank Ltd, Perth, 1991.
Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). anpsa.org.au. 2024.