Pale Ballart (Exocarpus strictus)

Family: Santalaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Exocarpus strictus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and palatable when fully ripe, astringent otherwise. — Fruit stalk - sweet and palatable when fully ripe, astringent otherwise.; Rather small, it is about 3 - 4mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks or poor clay soils. Heaths and dry sclerophyll forests. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)