Arnhem Land quandong, Bony Quandong
Elaeocarpus arnhemicus
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
What it is like
A tall shrub or small evergreen tree. It grows 6-15 m tall and spreads 3-5 m across. The crown has a spreading pattern. The bark is pale grey and smooth. Young shoots are hairy and the stems reddish. The leaves are oblong and 3-8 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. They are blunt at the end. They are dark green above and dull green underneath. The edges of the leaves are notched. The flower racemes are 2-8 cm long and the flowers about 0.5 cm long. The flower arrangements occur in the axils of the upper leaves and the flowers are greenish white with a fringe. The fruit is 1.2-1.5 cm long with a central stone. It is oval and bright blue.
There are about 360 Elaeocarpus species mostly in the tropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It is native to N Australia and Papua New Guinea. Plants grow naturally along stream banks in tropical places. They extend into drier areas. It often grows in rocky areas. It needs a sunny position and a well drained soil. It can tolerate some frost. It is very tolerant of drought and salt. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 1000 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit is eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Seed do not germinate regularly. Plants can also be grown from cuttings.
In Australia fruit mature November to January.
Its other names
Local names
Dirndirnda