Introduction
If you’ve ever wandered through Australia’s arid heart or coastal scrublands, you might have spotted a scrappy little tree with glossy red fruits clinging to its branches. Meet the Quandong, Santalum Acuminatum, a plant as resilient as it is fascinating. Known as the “Native Peach” or “Desert Quandong,” this tree isn’t just a survivor of harsh climates, it’s a bushfood superstar, and a gardener’s puzzle waiting to be solved.
A Tree Steeped in History
The Quandong has been part of Australia’s ecological and cultural tapestry for millennia. Indigenous communities revered this tree calling it Guwandhang, Wolgo, or Mangata, depending on the region, and using every part of it: the tart, vitamin C rich fruit for food, the kernel’s oil for medicine, and the fragrant wood for tools and fire starting.
European settlers quickly adopted the fruit, baking it into pies and jams, but it’s the plant’s tenacity that truly impresses. Thriving in deserts, sandy plains, and gravelly ridges, the Quandong became a symbol of survival in landscapes where few fruit bearing plants dare to grow.
From Bush Tucker to Boutique Products
Traditional Uses: For Indigenous Australians, the Quandong was a lifeline. The bright red fruit was eaten fresh, dried into cakes for storage, or rehydrated during droughts. The kernels, which taste like almonds when roasted, were crushed into pastes to treat sore gums or skin ailments. Even the bark, rich in tannins, found use in traditional remedies.
Modern Revival: Today, the Quandong is having a renaissance. Chefs prize its tangy flesh for gourmet jams, chutneys, and desserts, while skincare brands extract oil from its kernels for moisturizers. The wood, hard and fragrant, is sought after by woodturners for bowls and jewelry.
Growing Quandong: A Gardener’s Challenge
The Quandong isn’t your average fruit tree, it’s a semi-parasitic plant that often uses the root systems of a host plant to access water and nutrients. The plant attaches to other species, in a non destructive way, sustaining itself by their provision of nitrogen, shade, and water. Suitable host species include acacias, perennial native grasses, shrubs and trees.
Step 1: Seed Germination (Patience Required!)
- Quandong seeds are notoriously stubborn. Fresh seeds? Forget it, they’ll snooze for years.
- To wake them up age them: Let seeds sit for 1 – 3 years. Germination rates increase with time.
- Crack the shell using a vice to gently nick the hard casing (called the testa) without crushing the kernel inside.
- Some gardeners swear by soaking seeds in bleach to sterilise them first.
- Gibberellic acid trick. For the scientifically inclined, a dab of this plant hormone can boost germination to 80%.
Step 2: Host Plants – The Quandong’s Lifeline
- Your seedling won’t thrive without a host. In the wild, Quandongs latch onto nitrogen fixing plants like Acacia or Casuarina.
- For home gardens: Sow clover or cooch grass alongside seedlings. They’re hardy, noncompetitive hosts.
Step 3: Location, Location, Location
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily) is non negotiable.
- Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend heavy clay with compost and sand.
- Spacing: Give trees 10 – 15 feet of room to stretch their roots and avoid over crowding.
Step 4: Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Young trees need weekly drinks until they attach to a host. After that, they’re drought hardy—just water during extreme dry spells.
- Fertilizer: Skip high phosphorus mixes. A balanced native formula twice a year works but go light as over feeding can kill .
- Pruning: Trim dead branches in late winter to encourage airflow and shape the tree.
Pests, Problems, and Patience
Quandongs are tough but not invincible. Watch out for:
- Quandong moths: Their larvae munch on flowers and fruit. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help.
- Fungal diseases: Root rot from soggy soil is a killer. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Slow growth: Don’t expect fruit overnight. Most trees take 4 – 7 years to bear, and yields vary wildly between wild and cultivated strains.
Why Bother? The Rewards of Growing Quandong
Yes, it’s a fussy plant. But for gardeners willing to play the long game, the Quandong offers unique rewards:
- Biodiversity boost: Its flowers feed native bees, while emus spread its seeds (if you’re lucky enough to host these birds!).
- Conversation starter: Nothing impresses garden visitors like explaining your tree’s parasitic habits.
- Sustainable harvest: Once established, Quandongs need minimal inputs, making them perfect for permaculture plots.
Conclusion: A Tree for the Future
The Quandong isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a plant with a role in Australia’s future. As climate change tightens its grip, drought resistant species like this will become vital. Whether you’re a bush tucker enthusiast, a biodiversity warrior, or just a gardener who loves a challenge, the Quandong deserves a spot in your patch.
So, grab some aged seeds, plant a host or two, and embrace the quirks. With patience (and maybe a few muttered curses at stubborn seedlings), you’ll join the ranks of those who’ve unlocked the secrets of this iconic Aussie survivor.