Desert bloodwood

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has reopened to visitors, however, several road closures remain in place due to water over the road in a number of locations. Visitors and tourism operators may re-enter the park, but are advised to proceed with caution and drive slowly through any water on the road.

National park staff, in coordination with local agencies, are actively monitoring conditions and implementing road closures to ensure visitor safety.

The following roads remain closed until further notice:

Uluṟu Ring Road between the Mala Carpark and Muṯitjulu Turn Off
Access road to Muṯitjulu Waterhole.

Muṯitjulu residents, staff and workers can continue to enter community with access via the southern road only.

Conditions will be reassessed at 9 am ACST on 17 March with an update provided shortly after.

Muur-muurpa, desert bloodwood, is one of the tallest trees in the park. The bloodwood gets its name from its stunning, dark red sap, which resembles blood.

This species has a thick, rough bark that helps protect it from fire. It drops some of its branches during harsh times, reducing the energy it needs to survive.

In traditional times, Aṉangu made antiseptic gum from muur-muurpa by peeling off the red sap, grinding and mixing it with water, then applying it to cuts and sores. The sap can also be used in an inhalant for coughs and colds.

Wood from the branches is still used today for making wooden tools like bowls. The thick bark is also great for quickly and easily making light bowls for short term use.

Scientific name

Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara name