Santalum lanceolatum

R. Br.

Sandalwood, Northern sandalwood, Bush plum

Santalaceae Edible: Fruit 854 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Santalum lanceolatum is an Australian tree of the family Santalaceae. It is commonly known as desert quandong, northern sandalwood, sandalwood, or true sandalwood and in some areas as burdardu. The mature height of this plant is variable, from 1 to 7 m. The flowers are green, white, and cream, appearing between January and October. The species has a distribution throughout central Australia, becoming scattered or unusual in more southern regions.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows to 4-5 m high. The bark is grey and flaky. The branches hang down. They leaves are greyish-blue. They are fleshy. The leaves are 5 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. They taper at both ends. The flowers are in clusters at the ends of branches. Each flower is made up of 4 yellow-green fused petals. The fruit are round and red or black when ripe. They have a scar around the top. The fruit are in clusters on long stalks. The fruit have a small amount of flesh covering a single large seed. The plant grows as a parasite on the roots of other plants.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and has a sweetish flavour.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant has antirheumatic, narcotic, and purgative properties, and is also used in the treatment of boils, sores, and similar skin conditions.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in inland Australia. They often grow in groups along water courses. They can also be at the base of rocky outcrops where water runs off. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Not known

Propagation

Propagate by seed.

Other Uses

The wood is aromatic.

Production

Plants are slow growing. Plants often fruit after favourable rains.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Fruit	63.2	636	152	3.3	—	15	1.9	1.2
Kernel	0.3	—	—	10.7	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Santalum leptocladium Gand.Santalum megacarpum R. Br.Santalum oblongatum R. Br.and others

Also Known As

Ankwerlay, Arnguli, Bilalur, Blue Bush, Kupata, Lanceleaf sandalwood, Ngamumbirra, Ngilunpa, Plumbush

References (48)

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Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 908
Bonney, N., 2012, Edible Wild Native Plants for Southern Australia. p 110
Boomsma, C.D., 1972, Native Tree of South Australia. Woods & Forests Department South Australia, Bulletin No.19. p 214

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