Quandong
- Drought tolerant fruit tree
- Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked
- Use in jams and chutneys
Description
'Quandong' seeds
Santalum acuminatum
- Drought tolerant fruit tree
- Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked
- Use in jams and chutneys
An attractive small tree growing 2m to 4m, with long grey-green drooping foliage, small white flowers and brightly coloured edible fruit. The bright red fruit, 2-5cm across, is harvested between August and December. 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. Also known as wild, native or desert peach, or by several indigenous names including Kawantha, Gutchu, Mangata, Goorti and Wadjal.
Note: Seeds of many native plants are dormant and will not germinate until ideal environmental conditions are met. Follow instructions for pre-treatment and sowing, and be patient; some wild harvested seeds can take much longer to germinate than expected.
Seeds per gram: >1
Product code: Z-QUAN-01
Quick Sowing Guide
Method | Sow direct or raise seedlings |
---|---|
Sowing Depth | 2cm |
Season | Late winter or spring |
Germination | 14-270 days @ 17-22°C |
Hardiness / Life Cycle | Frost Hardy Perennial |
Plant Height | 400cm |
Position | Full sun |
*Notes: Seeds can be difficult to germinate; they will germinate more quickly if the very hard seed coat is cracked. One way to do this is using a vice, compressing the seed extremely slowly until it cracks, revealing the kernel. Seeds are also susceptible fungal infections; sterilise seeds or kernels by placing in a 1:9 bleach:water solution for 30 minutes, rinse in distilled water then place in a sealed plastic bag with moist vermiculite and keep at an even temperature (17-22 degrees). When seeds germinate, pot them in the same pot as a host plant. If planting direct, sow at least 5 seeds on the dripline of existing vegetation.
How To Grow
Shipping
We deliver Australia wide.
All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Knoxfield, Victoria, Australia.
We do not deliver overseas.
Shipping cost is calculated using all the items in your shopping cart and your delivery postcode. The table below outlines the delivery options and costs.
Order dispatch time is currently 4-6 business days plus delivery time.
Please note we are unable to guarantee specific delivery dates or delivery timeframes, all delivery times are estimates only.
Order contains: | Delivery options: | Delivery cost per order | |
---|---|---|---|
VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS, SA, NT | WA | ||
Small seed packets ONLY - | Economy Delivery | $3.00 or FREE on orders over $25 | $5 |
Parcel Delivery | Capped rate of $8.99 | ||
Express Delivery | $15.00 | ||
BULK seed, garden supplies, tools, or accessories - |
Parcel Delivery |
Capped rate of $8.99 |
|
Express Delivery |
Starting from $15.00 (Calculated by weight) |
||
Live Plants - | Live plants | Capped rate of $10.00 |
*All orders sent to Western Australia are subject to mandatory inspection and fees by Quarantine WA. These fees are included in all shipping costs above.
**We will replace all orders that are lost or damaged in transit however we will not replace or refund orders simply because they were delivered later than estimated. Full details here.
Ratings & Reviews
QuandongQuandong
Sadly I was unsuccessful in creating a plant from the seeds. I tried multiple methods including soaking, placing in dark area, adding smoked vermiculite, and simply leaving in the soil. It's been a year now and no method worked for me. I may try again another time.