Quandong (desert quandong) Santalum acuminatum
Quandong (desert quandong) (Santalum acuminatum) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Santalaceae family, native to Semi-arid and arid southern and central mainland Australia. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Quandong (desert quandong) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit flesh (tart; pies, jam, dried), kernel (roasted, traditionally) |
| Native to | Semi-arid and arid southern and central mainland Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Quandong (desert quandong) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the kernels are oily and are traditionally eaten only after roasting.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Quandong (desert quandong)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Quandong (desert quandong)
- How far apart should I plant Quandong (desert quandong)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Quandong (desert quandong) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Quandong (desert quandong) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Quandong (desert quandong)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Quandong (desert quandong) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Quandong (desert quandong) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the kernels are oily and are traditionally eaten only after roasting.
- What grows well with Quandong (desert quandong)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Quandong (desert quandong). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A root hemiparasite like its relative the sandalwood: it taps the roots of nearby plants for water and nutrients, so plant it beside a host such as a saltbush or acacia. Shiny red fruit with tart flesh around a pitted stone; a classic outback food and the base of quandong pie.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Indian sandalwood Santalum album
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica