Exocarpos cupressiformis
Cherry Ballart
Large bright yellowish-green shrub. While not parasitic it requires a symbiotic relationship with local grasses to germinate.
Additional information
- FamilySantalaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size3-10 m x 3-6 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesLeaves are reduced to tiny triangular scales 0.5 mm long, to 5 mm on new growth.
- Flower colourYellow-green
- Flowering timeSeptember to May
- FlowersTiny spikes to 8 mm of minute flowers in upper leaf axils, usually only one flower developing a fruit. Hard round green fruit on edible fleshy orange to red stalk.
- Bird attractingFruit
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained moist to drier clay and poor soils in open forests of foothills and mountains. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi-shade.
- Garden useAn attractive shrub which is almost impossible to strike. Readily pruned. Will sucker. Provides a dense windbreak or screen.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Timber used locally for spear throwers. Food - fruit stalks. Sap - medicine
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Peter Kinchington ©
Plant Communities