Family:

Santalaceae

Exocarpos strictus

Dwarf Cherry

Other Names: Pale Ballart, Pale-fruit Ballart

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

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

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in the west of Urana-Rand-Corowa region.

Australia:

NSW, Vic, Tas, SA.

Habitat:

Various habitats including high banks of rivers and streams, on well-drained clay soils in River Red Gum communities.

Habit:

Erect shrub to 3.5 m high. Light green, bronzy, blue-green or greyish foliage. Often forms dense thickets.

Site Preference:

Well-drained sandy or clay loam soils.

Characteristics:

Most plants in this family are root parasites.

Flowering:

Mainly early summer, and throughout year.

Seed Collection:

Early Dec to late Apr. Monitor closely as seeds shed in 3-14 days.

Propagation:

Difficult. See Native Cherry (E. cupressiformis).

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Useful in controlling soil erosion.

Wildlife:

Habitat.

Ornamental:

Attractive.