The quandong is a wild fruiting shrub found in Australia, with fossils suggesting it may be the oldest fruit-bearing plant. The desert quandong is the most common type, with semiparasitic properties and deep red fruits high in vitamin C. Aboriginal people used the fruit for food and medicinal purposes. Other varieties, such as the blue and bitter quandong, have sour or off-flavors and are not commonly eaten.
The quandong is a wild fruiting shrub or shrub that occurs naturally in Australia. Fossils of this bush have been found far inland, leading some to speculate that it may be the oldest fruit-bearing plant on earth. Several varieties of these plants are now also grown on plantations for commercial purposes.
Santalum acuminatum is perhaps the most common type of this plant and is also known as desert quandong. These trees have pale green leaves, small white flowers, and are typically two to three meters tall, although they can grow larger. These trees thrive in arid and semi-arid climates. These trees are considered semiparasitic, as, after growing from seeds, they leach water from the roots of other plants. Because of this, trees can thrive regardless of the quality of the soil and water in their environment.
High in vitamin C, the quandong fruit is deep red when ripe and has white flesh. These fruits are about the size of an apple. Some say it tastes like red wine or mango. This edible fruit, sometimes called a wild peach, is found on santalum acuminatum trees. Quandongs were a staple of the Aboriginal diet, whether eaten fresh, dried or made into jam. Tea made from this fruit was used by Aboriginal people to flush toxins out of their systems. Rheumatism and skin problems have also been treated with it. The kernel of the desert quandong can also be used for decorative purposes or eaten. These plants are eaten by the camel, making them increasingly scarce in nature.
The small blue fruits found on Elaeocarpus angustifolius trees are also known as blue, silver, and brush quandong. These fruits have a sour taste. Similarly, the fruits found on santalum murrayanum trees, also known as bitter quandong, have an off-flavor and are not generally eaten, although they resemble desert quandong fruit in color and size.
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