The painting depicts Quandongs or Merlpe to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people of central Australia.

The women gathered the red ripe quandongs to be eaten raw or dried and stored for later use, when bush tucker was scarce. Aboriginal people also used the Quandong for its medicinal properties in a form of tea which was drunk as a purgative. Quandong tree roots were also ground down and used as an infusion for the treatment of rheumatism.

Quandong trees possess an aromatic wood that was traditionally used by aboriginal people in "smoking ceremonies".

If you would like to know more about Quandongs and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Women