Quandong

Quandong (Santalum acuminatum)

Quandong is a shrub or small tree growing up to 4 m tall. It belongs to the same genus as Sandalwood, and like Sandalwood it is parasitic.  It grows on the coastal dunes and limestone as well as on the Darling Scarp.  Quandong’s fruits form in spring and ripen to a rich red colour in summer. They contain a single stone and seed.  Tiny flowers form in late spring, summer and early autumn.  The species name comes from Latin: acuminatus “pointed” referring to the leaves.

Ref:  “Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.