Habitat: Simspon Desert

Age: up to 1000 years

Birdsville Population: 1,520,000

Distribution: 100-120 square kilometres

Waddis are a rare and ancient species, representing relict populations of Australian desert flora. Its timber is so hard it has caused damage to axes and saws and when dry is almost impossible to drill.  Waddi wood fence posts have been found showing little sign of decay after nearly a century. Waddi seeds were discovered in the diary of explorer William John Wills in 1860, beginning a long association between Waddi wood and early European settlement of western Queensland.

Waddi wood is connected with Aboriginal totemic significance, being used by local gorups to transport fire by taking small smouldering pieces from camp to camp.  Waddi trees are also central to the Wangkangurru dreaming story of 'Two Boys' crossing the Simpson Desert.  For the full story see National Parks Office, Birdsville.

Waddi trees have new been listed as a protected species on the Register of National Estate.

The Diamantina Shire acknowledge that this information is supplied from the
Wanpa-rda Matilda CD-Rom.