For years, the story of a mysterious fruit on Vuri customary land in Choiseul intrigued environmentalists and locals alike, but without a photo, its tale remained incomplete. That has finally changed. Thanks to Cornelius Qaqara from the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project, stunning footage of the fruit, known locally as Gazu vararitüki, has been captured for the first time.
The fruit, whose official name is Pagiantha koroana (Apocynaceae), is also referred to as the Protection Tree or Loving Tree. It thrives near the old Takuvuri village settlement, just above the waterfall on Vuri land.
For the Vuri people, Gazu vararitüki is more than just a tree, it is a symbol of ancestral care and protection. “It was regarded as a protector of our people, tribal inland villages, and land-based resources in the days of our ancestors,” says Myknee Sirikolo, who shared the story for the Nakau Programme.
The tree represents “protection from enemies, sicknesses, evil spirits, or any other devils or bad luck,” Myknee explains. Beyond safeguarding the community, it embodies the deep love of Vuri ancestors for the forest, rivers, wildlife, and the younger generations who inherit this heritage.
The Nakau Programme celebrates the discovery, highlighting how indigenous knowledge and environmental conservation intersect. Thanks to dedicated local efforts, the legacy of Gazu vararitüki and its message of protection and care, can now be shared far beyond the Vuri community.
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[Nakau Programmme media]
