Quandong , or Desert Peach , is scientifically classify asSantalum acuminatumwithin the Santalaceae family , ordinarily known as the sandalwood family . This order it alongside other sandalwood species likeSantalum spicatum(Australian sandalwood ) andSantalum album(white sandalwood ) . It ’s a hemiparasitic plant , meaning it trust on the roots of host flora for piddle and food , particularly in its early stages , while still execute photosynthesis . The genus nameSantalumderives from the Hellenic “ santalon ” ( sandalwood ) , and “ acuminatum ” refers to its pointed , slender leave-taking . in the beginning namedFusanus acuminatusby Robert Brown in 1810 , it was reclassified by Alphonse Pyrame de Candolle in 1857 into theSantalumgenus .
Quandong has a deep story tie to Australia ’s Indigenous peoples , who have utilize it for over 40,000 long time as a staple food and resource in arid regions . Evidence suggests its utilisation across fundamental and southerly Australia , with name calling like “ guwandhang ” ( Wiradjuri ) adapted into “ quandong ” by European settlers . archeologic track record , such as quandong nuts find in rock-and-roll protection like Puritjarra , highlight its signification in primaeval dieting and mythology , often connect to emus that dispersed its seeds . European settler noted its note value by the nineteenth century , using the fruit for jams and pies , though they did n’t initially domesticate it . Commercial interest grew in the twentieth one C , driven by exportation demand to places like Singapore and Britain , spur cultivation attempts that continue today with mixed achiever due to its hemiparasitic nature .
Quandong is a little evergreen plant tree or shrub , develop 1 - 6 meter marvellous , with harsh , dour gray barque and droop branches . Its leaves are lithesome , olive - green , and eucalypt - shaped , typically 3 - 9 centimeter long . The plant produce small , cream - colour flowers in late summer , which spring up into bright red drupes ( 15 - 25 mm wide ) by former spring . The fruit has a flimsy ( 3 - 5 mm ) , working girl , pulpy flesh circumvent a unvoiced , edible kernel productive in oil and protein . The gustation is distinctive — off-key and tart when fresh , redolent of a blend between peach , apricot , and rhubarb plant , with a insidious fragrance that intensifies when dry . The kernel , once extracted , offers a loony , oily flavor , historically used medicinally by Indigenous groups for skin complaint or painfulness rest period .
Santalum acuminatumthrives in desiccate and semi - arid clime , making it best suit to USDA zones 8 - 10 , with potential in zone 11 in frost - free expanse . It requires warm temperatures ( ideally 70 - 95 ° F or 21 - 35 ° C ) and can handle drouth and meek brininess , but it ’s not frost - tolerant , especially when youthful . In coolheaded zones ( e.g. , 5 - 7 ) , it can be grow as an annual or in protected atmospheric condition like greenhouses , though fruit production may be limited . Its hemiparasitic nature demands nearby horde plants ( e.g. , Mary Jane or N - touch on trees like acacias ) , and it favor well - drained , flaxen soil in full sun . In Australia , it aligns with their adapt zone 2 - 4 , reflecting its natural reach across southern and key deserts .
