Native Cherry
Exocarpus cupressiformis
Family: Santalaceae
What it is like
Exocarpus cupressiformis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
Sandy soils on dry hillsides. In eucalyptus forests to the montane zone.
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit stalk - sweet and palatable when fully ripe, astringent otherwise. It is eaten raw or made into preserves. Rather small, it is about 4 - 6mm long.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Astringent, bitter tonic.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The bark contains up to 15% tannin. Wood - hard, tough, close-grained. Used for turnery, furniture etc.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. It is likely to require a light well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. It is a root parasite, we do not know which species it parasitizes. Plants spread by means of underground suckers, often forming clumps of seemingly disparate trees and shrubs.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but would recommend sowing it in spring in a warm greenhouse in a pot that contains a suitable host.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
One report says that the foliage might be poisonous.