How to Grow Quandong
Santalum acuminatum
Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) is the iconic Australian bush food — a semi-parasitic tree producing tart red peach-like fruits used in jams, pies, and sauces. It needs a host plant nearby (acacia or native grasses work well) to tap into for nutrients. Plant in full sun in free-draining sandy or loamy soil. Frost-tender when young so protect for the first 2-3 years. Drought-tolerant once established. Use only low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser — standard fertilisers are toxic to it.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed sparingly with a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring. High phosphorus levels are toxic to quandong. Use fertilisers formulated for Australian native plants only.
Watch For
- Frost damage on young plants
- Root competition from aggressive host plants
- Poor fruit set without adequate host roots
- Phosphorus toxicity from standard fertilisers
Companions
Acacia, Native grasses, Eremophila, Grevillea
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, warm dry climate
Needs full sun and warmth. Best suited to Mediterranean, semi-arid, or warm temperate climates. In cool regions, plant in the warmest available position.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Extremely drought-tolerant once the semi-parasitic root network is established with a host plant. Water young trees weekly in their first year only.
Fertilizing
Low-phosphorus native fertiliser only
Standard fertilisers containing phosphorus are toxic. Use only fertilisers formulated for Australian native plants. A light spring application is sufficient.
Pruning
Minimal, remove dead wood only
Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. Shape lightly after harvest if required. Avoid heavy pruning which stresses the semi-parasitic root system.
Growing Tips
A host plant is essential
Quandong cannot thrive without a host plant to parasitise. Plant with an established acacia, native grass clump, or other non-invasive plant within 1-2m. The host is not harmed significantly but should be vigorous.
No standard fertiliser
Standard garden fertilisers containing phosphorus can kill quandong. Use only fertilisers specifically formulated for Australian native plants (low or zero phosphorus).
Harvest before birds take them
The bright red fruits attract birds. Harvest when fruits are fully red and slightly soft. They have a large stone inside — the kernel is also edible and nutritious.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 500 cm |
| Row spacing | 500 cm |
| Mature height | 450 cm |
| Mature spread | 400 cm |
Allow 4-6m spread. Quandong is semi-parasitic and needs a host plant with an established root system nearby — ideally within 1-2m. Suitable hosts include acacia, native grasses, or other established plants. Drought-tolerant once established.
