Santalaceae

Erect, spindly shrub or small, shapely tree to 6 m high. Spreading to drooping branches, sparse pale to olive-green narrow leaves (3-9cm long), in opposite pairs. Whitish-cream flowers (Sep-Feb).

Various woodland communities, sandy sites or gravelly ridges. Sandy, well-drained loamy and clayey soils. Tolerates drought, most frosts, and possibly some salinity. Prefers 200 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect seed early Aug-late Nov (monitor closely as seeds drop quickly). Soak fruits in mild bleach solution before sowing whole or cracked. Germinate in moist vermiculite with fungicide at 16-25°C. Plant seedlings with host plants (e.g., native grasses) after 12 months, or directly over host roots. Parasitic on roots of other plants, especially when young. Regenerates from suckers and seeds. Not suitable for direct seeding.

Long-lived, medium-level shelter. Hard, close-grained, fragrant heartwood used for cabinet work. Fruit and seeds eaten by First Nations People and wildlife. Fruit used for preserves. Oily seeds used medicinally.