Exocarpus aphyllus
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Santalaceae
- Genus
- Exocarpus
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
Fruit stalk - sweet and palatable when fully ripe, astringent otherwise[1][4].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
Treats colds and sores[2].
Environment
- Range
- Australia.
- Habitat
- Sandy soils in inland areas in all mainland states[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but would recommend sowing the seed in the spring in a warm greenhouse in a pot that contains a suitable host. Sow a few seeds in each pot. Once the seeds have germinated, grow on the plants in the greenhouse for at least their first winter before planting them out by the roots of a mature suitable host.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. It is likely to require a light well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. It is a root parasite, we do not know which species it parasitizes.
References
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-00-634436-4
Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.
Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.
Low. T. Wild Food Plants of Australia. Angus and Robertson. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-207-14383-8