Quandong facts for kids

Quandong, also spelled quandang or quondong, is a common name for a special type of plant, especially the Santalum acuminatum. This plant is famous for its tasty, edible fruit. But the name "Quandong" can also refer to other plants that look similar or grow in the same areas.

What is a Quandong?

A quandong is a plant, often a small tree or shrub, that grows in dry parts of Australia. The most well-known type is the Desert Quandong. It's part of the sandalwood family. These plants are known for their bright, round fruits.

The Desert Quandong

The Santalum acuminatum is the most famous quandong. It grows in many parts of Australia, especially in dry, sandy areas. This plant is very tough and can survive in harsh conditions. It has long, narrow leaves and small flowers.

Quandong Fruit

The fruit of the Desert Quandong is usually bright red or orange when it's ripe. It's about the size of a small peach or apricot. Inside, there's a large, hard seed. The fruit has a unique taste, often described as a mix of peach, apricot, and rhubarb. It can be a bit tart, but it's also sweet.

Where Quandongs Grow

Quandongs are native to Australia. They are found in many different habitats, from deserts to woodlands. They are especially common in the drier inland regions. These plants have adapted to survive with little water, making them very resilient.

What Are Quandongs Used For?

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have used quandong fruits as an important food source. They ate the fresh fruit or dried it for later. The seeds were also used for their oil.

Today, quandong fruit is still popular. People use it to make jams, pies, sauces, and even ice cream. It's known for being high in Vitamin C and other good nutrients. The wood of some quandong trees can also be used for carving.

Other Quandong Plants

While the Desert Quandong is the most famous, many other plants are also called "quandong." These include different types of trees and shrubs, often from the Elaeocarpus family. They might have different-looking fruits or grow in different parts of Australia, like rainforests. Some examples are:

• Elaeocarpus angustifolius (blue quandong)
• Elaeocarpus bancroftii (Kuranda quandong)
• Elaeocarpus foveolatus (white quandong)