West Papuans cherish the red fruit. It is a favorite local plant. This red fruit, known as Pandanus conoideus, holds deep cultural importance. This significant prehistoric plant has roots in early Papuan agriculture. The Baliem Valley reveals much of its ancient story. People find this plant from the lowlands to the highlands, but its story begins thousands of years ago.

Archaeological and Cultural Roots

Archaeologist Hari Suroto explains West Papua’s unique geography. Its location on the equator gives it dense tropical rainforests. In prehistoric times, people found clearing land difficult. This is because they only relied on stone tools. This challenge highlights this prehistoric plant’s importance for survival.

Suroto cites a crucial 1991 pollen analysis by Haberle. This research from the Australian National University provides key evidence. Researchers found red fruit pollen in Kalela, Baliem Valley. They estimate this dates early Papuan agriculture to 6,000 years ago. This discovery indicates intensive farming began in New Guinea’s highlands. This practice started 7,000 years ago, and taro was the main crop. For comparison, western Indonesia shows different evidence. Austronesian speakers introduced grain crops like rice there around 3,000 years ago.

The Dani people in the Baliem Valley call the fruit kuansu. It has long been a staple food for them. The fruit also features prominently in Amungme tribal stories. One story says Amungme ancestors emerged from a cave called Mepingama. They carried various plant seeds needed for their survival. These provisions included tubers, bananas, and the red fruit. These seeds from the prehistoric plant became essential for their new life.

Botanical Characteristics and Modern Significance

Prehistoric lowland inhabitants developed an efficient agricultural system. They did not expend great effort chopping down large trees. Instead, they relied more on planting tubers. These tubers grow as vines and do not require much sunlight. In his book, Hari Suroto explains highland inhabitants also developed efficient farming. They farmed at elevations between 1,300 to 2,300 meters. Only certain plants can grow in these areas because the weather is erratic. This resilient prehistoric plant, the red fruit, thrived there.

A 2019 study explains the red fruit’s modern importance. Albert Husein Wawo and his team wrote the study. They state it is a vital bioresource for highland people. Its importance follows staple foods like sweet potatoes and taro. The researchers note that people in Papua New Guinea call it Marita. Meanwhile, people in Wamena, West Papua, know it as tawi.

Today, people extract oil from the fruit. They use this oil for cooking, food coloring, and traditional medicine. They also boil red fruit pieces with sweet potato leaves for pig feed. Additionally, they use the plant’s leaves as a woven material for crafts.

The West Papua Agricultural Technology Study Center estimates over 30 cultivars exist. However, farmers only widely develop four for their economic value. These are the long red, short red, brown, and yellow varieties. To ensure its survival, the Wamena Biological Botanical Gardens conserves this prehistoric plant. A small number of local farmers also cultivate it in their gardens.

See also: Orchid diversity in Merauke, South Papua Province, West Papua