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Australian Sandalwood

Santalum spicatum

Family Santalaceae

Vulnerable (IUCN) — over-harvested

About

A root-hemiparasitic tree of semi-arid southwestern Australia, harvested commercially for its aromatic oil since the 1840s and used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years before that. Historical range significantly reduced by over-harvesting and land clearing.

How to spot it

Shrub to small tree to about 6m with grey-green foliage and spherical orange fruits containing an edible kernel; DBCA's Escarpment Base Trail notes it growing between Temple Gorge Campground and Honeycomb Gorge.

Found in

  • Kennedy Range National Park