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Quandong
Bitter Quandong - Santalum
murrayanum
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Qq
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Quandongs are slender shrubs which
are at least partially parasitic on the roots of surrounding
plants. The Quandong is a plant of the dry country but has one of the largest fruits of all Australian plants. The ball-like, fleshy berries are bright
red and rich in Vitamin C. It was a favourite fruit of the Koories and is currently being used as the basis for a native fruit industry in dry areas.
The centre of the fruit has a large, hard seed which is not eaten. The Koories, however,
would grind them up to make an ointment for cuts and insect bites.
In other countries plants related to Quandongs are called Sandalwoods (a name which has nothing to do with sandals, it is simply a misspelling of the word Santalwood). Some species, particularly those from India, have been used for their beautiful and pleasant smelling wood and for the oils that can be extracted from them. These oils are used as incense as well as for a range of medicines.
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