Braidsdale Santalum

Growing Guide

Western Australia Grower’s Guide
Santalum acuminatum (Desert Peach, Quandong) and Santalum spicatum (WA Sandalwood)

A guide for growing, troubleshooting and quick-start (planting) checklist

This guide compiles practical, research-backed steps for establishing and maintaining Quandong and Sandalwood in Western Australia’s arid and semi-arid conditions.

Diagram: Example Planting Layout showing a central Quandong with multiple hosts for redundancy, distance varying from host based on size and age e.g. Saltbush > Acacia

1. Understanding the Plant

1.1 Santalum acuminatum

1.2 Santalum spicatum

2. Climate & Site Selection (WA)

3. Soil Requirements

4. Host Plants & Establishment

5. Planting & Mulching

6. Watering

7. Fertilization

8. Pests & Diseases

9. Harvesting & Use

10. Troubleshooting – Common Issues (WA)

11. Quick-Start Checklist (WA)

12. References & Further Reading

1. Understanding the Plant

Santalum belongs to Santalacea family of plants a lineage of hemi-parasitic (forms haustoria to draw water and nutrients from nearby hosts) shrubs and trees.

1.1 Santalum acuminatum

  • Once established drought-tolerant shrub/small tree (2 – 6 m).
  • Native to semi-arid areas of Western Australia, South Australia and NSW
  • Fruit: bright red drupes (15 – 25 mm) with tart flesh; kernel inside a hard nut.

1.2 Santalum spicatum

  • Native to semi-arid areas of Western Australia and South Australia
  • Small shrubby tree grows 2-6m
  • Orange fruit 30mm in diameter, edible nut.
  • Oil harvested from wood and nuts

2. Climate & Site Selection (WA)

  • Best suited to inland/arid/semi-arid zones; young plants are frost-sensitive.
  • Sunlight: at least 6 – 8 hours/day; select open locations sheltered from cold winds.
  • Spacing: quandongs 3 – 5 m apart; hosts positioned 0.1 – 2 m from each plant.
  • Both species are desired for tolerance of West Australian conditions.

3. Soil Requirements

  • Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; avoid heavy clay and water-logging.
  • Target pH: 6.0 – 7.5. Improve drainage with coarse sand/perlite and organic matter.
  • Annual soil testing recommended; raise beds where drainage is marginal.

4. Host Plants & Establishment

  • Preferred hosts: Acacia spp., Casuarina spp., Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), native grasses, legumes
  • Plant multiple hosts per tree to reduce reliance on any single host.
  • Manage competition: prune hosts lightly and avoid aggressive species that out compete seedlings.

5. Planting & Mulching

  • Recommended time for planting seedlings is between March-September (All year if in pots)
  • Plant in full-sun to part shade
  • Protect from winds and frost while establishing
  • Mulch (straw/wood chips) to suppress weeds and moderate soil moisture; keep mulch clear of stem base.

6. Watering

  • Young plants: regular watering until established; avoid saturated soils.
  • Mature plants: drought-tolerant; irrigate during prolonged dry spells only.

7. Fertilization

  • Use low-phosphorus native-safe fertilizers or balanced slow-release (apply spring and summer).
  • Organic options: compost, well-rotted manure, fish emulsion; avoid over-fertilizing.
  • Monitor deficiencies: yellowing (N), poor fruit set (P), weak growth (K).

8. Pests & Diseases

  • Quandong moth (Paraepermenia santaliella), is the most significant insect pest. Minor pests include aphids, scale insects, spidermites, mealybugs; inspect regularly.
  • Controls: neem oil, insecticidal soap; encourage beneficials (ladybirds).
  • Disease risks: root rot in poorly drained soils; reduce humidity and improve airflow.

9. Harvesting & Use

  • Fruit after 3 – 4 years under good conditions; ripens late spring to early summer.
  • Sandalwood can be harvested for multiple purposes reference information.
  • Use fresh, dried, or processed (jams, sauces, pies); kernels have traditional uses.
  • Quandongs are ornamentally used in landscaping and desired for longevity.

10. Troubleshooting – Common Issues (WA)

Problem Likely Cause; Action

  • Yellow leaves Nitrogen deficiency; weak host connection Apply native-safe fertilizer; check host health/proximity; add mulch.
  • Stunted growth Inadequate host; poor drainage Add/prune hosts; amend soil with sand/perlite; use raised beds; wind protection.
  • Root rot Water-logging/heavy clay Improve drainage; reduce irrigation; plant on mounds.
  • Pests (moths/aphids/scale/mites) Sapsucking insects Neem/insecticidal soap; encourage beneficials; prune affected tips.
  • Poor fruit set Limited pollination; nutrient imbalance Plant multiple trees; increase K during flowering; avoid excessive N.
  • Host dominance Aggressive host competition Prune host canopy/roots; maintain 1 – 2 m spacing.
  • Frost damage (young) Cold snaps Use frost cloth; choose sheltered micro-sites.

11. Quick-Start Checklist (WA)

  • Select full-sun site (4 – 8 h/day); sandy/loamy soil, pH 6.0–7.5.
  • Prepare soil with compost + coarse sand/perlite if required (well draining native ground); remove weeds, mounding can be used.
  • Choose hosts; plant smaller shrubs 0.1–2 m from quandong/sandalwood depending on host root system.
  • Clover or grass can be used as a close permanant or temporary host. Do not disturb root systems, hosts can be culled when larger established.
  • Space larger trees 3 – 10 m.
  • Water regularly until established; avoid waterlogging.
  • Protect from winds.
  • Fertilize lightly in spring/summer with native-safe products.
  • Monitor pests monthly; treat early with neem/insecticidal soap.
  • Expect first harvest ~3 – 4 years; pick red fruit late spring–summer.

12. References & Further Reading

  • ANBG Growing Native Plants – Santalum acuminatum: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/santalum-acuminatum.html