Close-up view of a section of the Valley of the winds at Kata Tjuṯa, in the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is a national park located in Northern Territory, Australia. The park is home to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It is located 1,431 kilometres (889 mi) south of Darwin by road and 440 kilometres (270 mi) south-west of Alice Springs along the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. The park covers 1,326 square kilometres (512 sq mi) and includes the features it is named after: Uluru and, 40 kilometres (25 mi) to its west, Kata Tjuta. The location is listed with UNESCO World Heritage sites Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park flora represents a large portion of plants found in Central Australia. A number of these species are considered rare and restricted in the park or the immediate region. There are many rare and endemic plants at Uluru and Kata Tjuta. A number of other species, while found elsewhere in central Australia, may be endangered within the park. The desert flora has adapted to the harsh conditions. The growth and reproduction of plant communities rely on irregular rainfall. Some plants are able to survive fire and some are dependent on it to reproduce. Plants are an important part of Tjukurpa, and there are ceremonies for each of the major plant foods. Many plants are associated with ancestral beings. Collection of plant foods remains a culturally important activity, reinforcing traditional links with country and Tjukurpa. Flora in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park can be broken into the following categories: Punu – trees, Puti – shrubs, Tjulpun-tjulpunpa – flowers, Ukiri – grasses. Desert oaks with Kata Tjuta in the background Trees such as the mulga and centralian bloodwood are used to make tools such as spearheads, boomerangs and bowls. The red sap of the bloodwood is used as a disinfectant and an inhalant for coughs and colds. Others such as the river red gum and corkwood trees like grevillea and hakeas are a source of food themselves.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga, Petermann, Northern Territory, Australia
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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