Cherry Ballart - native (Exocarpos cupressiformis)

Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family).

Native.

Other names: Native Cherry.

Occurrence: Widespread and common through the Castlemaine bushland.

Identification:

• it is a small tree
• it resembles a green-foliaged cypress (and hence cupressifomis, resembling a cypress)
• it has small stony fruit attached to the plant by a swollen stalk, which become red as the fruit ripens.

The fruit has resemblance to a cherry with the seed ouside (and hence Exocarpos: outside seed).

Cherry Ballart is a root parasite. Its roots attach to nearby roots. It modifies the surroundings. Cherry Ballarts are a favourite place for Kangaroos to rest.

Name. Exocarpos: Greek exo outside; carpos fruit, the seed appears to be outside the fruit.

Photos: Castlemaine District. 1,2: The swollen fruit-stalk with seed.