Exocarpos cupressiformis

Exocarpos cupressiformis, commonly known as the native cherry, is an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Santalaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not related to the fruit-bearing cherries but is rather unique due to its resemblance to cypress trees, which inspired its botanical name.

This species is native to Australia, found in various habitats ranging from coastal forests to mountainous inland areas. It is widely distributed across the continent, showing a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse soil types, provided they are well-drained and offer opportunities for root interaction with host plants.

The most striking biological feature of this plant is its hemiparasitic nature. The root system develops specialized structures called haustoria, which attach to the roots of nearby trees, such as eucalypts, to extract water and nutrients. Despite this dependency, the plant contains chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis independently.

Regarding cultivation requirements, Exocarpos cupressiformis thrives in sunny to semi-shaded positions. It is highly drought-tolerant once established but prone to root rot if the soil remains constantly waterlogged. It generally dislikes high levels of phosphorus fertilizers, which can be toxic to many Australian native plants, so careful soil management is essential.

Economically, the plant is primarily valued in native garden landscaping and ecological restoration projects. The edible fruits consist of a swollen, fleshy pedicel with a small dry nut at the tip. While historically significant as a food source for Indigenous Australians, it is not currently grown as a major commercial agricultural crop, though it remains a subject of botanical and conservation interest.

• Hemiparasitic root architecture
• High tolerance to arid conditions
• Edible fleshy pedicels
• Susceptibility to Phytophthora
• Minimal fertilizer requirements