West Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

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

Santalum spicatum commonly known as West Australian Sandalwood grows about 8m in height in the Western part of Australia. It has a crooked bole with rough, grey bark and stiff spreading branches. The flowers are small, green and red, carrion-scented, and in panicles. The fruits are green but turn brown. The essential oil from the wood is used medicinally against urinary tract infection. The fruits and pods are edible.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The fruits and pods are gathered from the wild and eaten as food. Seed kernels of sandalwood may be eaten and have formed a valuable part of the traditional Aboriginal Australian diet. — The fruits and pods are gathered from the wild and eaten as food.; Seed kernels of sandalwood may be eaten and have formed a valuable part of the traditional Aboriginal Australian diet.; The kernels contain 45 - 55% oil, which is characterized by a high percentage of unusual acetylenic fatty acids.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs in a wide range of forest types from woodland to low open-woodlands. Loamy soils and among rocks in woodland and tall shrubland. Red sandy soils, among rocks. (Zone 10)