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

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