Santalaceae

Exocarpos — from Greek exo, outside, plus carpos, fruit, as succulent pedicel or flower stalk resembles pericarp or fruit wall below the nut.

Erect shrub to 3.5 m high, light green, bronzy, blue-green, or greyish foliage. Often forms dense thickets. Mainly flowers in early summer, but can occur year-round.

Various habitats including high banks of rivers and streams, on well-drained clay soils in River Red Gum communities. Prefers welldrained sandy or clay loam soils. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Dec-late Apr, seeds shed in 3-14 days. Propagation difficult, see Native Cherry (E. cupressiformis) for details.

Useful for controlling soil erosion. Provides habitat. Attractive ornamental.