Quandong

Santalaceae · Santalum acuminatum

Original names: Kawantha, Gutchu, Mangata, Goorti and Wadjal

Native to: Australia

Also known as: Wild Peach, Native Peach, Desert Peach

Cost per seed: $0.75

Characteristics

Hardy Perennial

An attractive small tree with long grey-green drooping foliage, small white flowers and brightly coloured edible fruit.

The tree is a member of the sandalwood family and grows in arid and semi-arid areas of all mainland states. Tolerant of drought and salinity once established. The fruit has a tangy taste that's a combination of sweet and tart; it can be eaten fresh, stewed or dried, or used in jams and chutneys. The seed kernels were traditionally used to treat toothache, and the hard seeds can also be used as beads.

Quandong is a semi-parasitic plant that often uses the root systems of a host plant to access water and nutrients. Suitable host species include acacias (wattles) including Raspberry Jam Wattle, or other perennial native grasses, shrubs and trees.

Small white flowers occur in cluster in Spring/Summertime followed by fleshy fruits 25mm in diameter, turning bright red when ripe. Highly ornamental tree for shade and shelter.

Tolerates poor soils and hot dry sites, attracts native birds and butterflies.

Height: 200 to 400 cm

The basics

Position: Full sun
Soil: Nutrient-poor, Free-draining
Water: Drought Tolerant

Position

Sowing Seeds

Sow in Late Winter, Spring
Technique: Direct, Raise seedlings
Requires a host plant with established roots. Older seeds have a higher germination rate Either whole seeds or kernels can be planted; kernels will germinate faster while whole seeds may take a year or more. Examine the seed to identify a depression or flat area (the micropyle). To break the outer shell, place the seed in a vice with the flat area facing the vice jaws and very slowly apply pressure until the shell cracks; remove the kernel. Seeds are also susceptible fungal infections; sterilise seeds or kernels by placing in a 1:9 bleach:water solution for 30 minutes, then rinse in distilled water. Place in a sealed plastic bag with moist vermiculite and keep in the dark at 17-22 degrees, or sow direct under the dripline of an established tree. When seeds germinate, pot them in the same pot as a host plant such as a wattle. Transplant seedlings outside within 10 m of a host plant such as a local, indigenous grass or flowering pea plant

Depth: 2 mm

Germination

14 to 270 days at 17 to 22°C

Care

Protect for 4+ years

Harvest

When to harvest: August, September, October, November, December

Bush food: The outer fleshy layer of the fruit is used to make jams and conserves, sauces and various confectionary products, the inner hard kernel is also edible high in protein and vitamin c. The flavour is tart reminiscent of peach, apricot or rhubarb.

Bush medicine: Centre kernels can be ground to create powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pastes for treating skin conditions and toothaches, the roots are made into an infusion to treat rheumatism and the leaves to treat stomach aches.

Flowers in: Spring, Summer days

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