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Status: Stock

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1m on linen

Merrepen (Livistona humilis) is a small fan-leaved palm that grows in the bush all around Ngan’gi country and the Top End. It can be seen in open forests and Eucalyptus woodlands. From September to May it produces clusters of yellow flowers that form a beautiful display above the crown. The oval-shaped fruits grow between January and June, turning a purplish-black as they ripen. It is possible to eat the fruits and heart of this palm. The stem is used to make a variety of traditional medicines, while the fruit can be made into dye.

It is a very important plant for Ngan’gi people and is the name of the art centre at Nauiyu. Merrepen is extensively used to make fibre, which is twinned into string. The new leaves are pulled out of the stem apex of the plant before they unfold. These are then split into fine threads which are sun dried. The fibres may be dyed and then twisted into string. This string is used to make woven dilly-bags dilly-bags, fishing nets and other fibre-craft products. This is a significant industry at Nauiyu, where many women are excellent fibre-craft artisans.