Family: Santalaceae
Author: Labill.
Bibliography: Voy. rech. Pérouse 1:156, t. 14. 1800
Year: 1800
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Exocarpos
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Queensland to SE. Australia
Description
The Cherry ballart, with the scientific name Exocarpos cupressiformis, is a unique and intriguing plant species belonging to the family Santalaceae. First described in 1800 by Labill. in the publication Voy. rech. Pérouse, this plant has garnered attention due to its distinctive characteristics and ecological role.
Native to the southeastern regions of Queensland extending to southeastern Australia, the Cherry ballart thrives in a variety of habitats within these locales. This wide distribution underscores its adaptability to different environmental conditions found along the eastern coastline and regions extending inland.
The physical appearance of Exocarpos cupressiformis is notable for its cypress-like foliage, which is reflected in its species name ‘cupressiformis’. This resemblance can be attributed to its slender, needle-like leaves which give the plant a conifer-like appearance despite being angiospermous. The plant is also recognized for producing small, cherry-like fruits, which are a vivid red when mature and provide a striking contrast against the green of its foliage. These fruits contain a single seed and play a critical role in the propagation of the species.
Ecologically, the Cherry ballart is an important species within its native range. Often found in woodlands and open forests, it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of these ecosystems. The plant’s fruit serves as a food source for various birds and other wildlife, which in turn aid in seed dispersal, ensuring the continuation of the species.
Beyond its ecological significance, Exocarpos cupressiformis holds cultural importance in Australia. Indigenous peoples have traditionally utilized parts of the plant for various purposes, ranging from food to tools, showcasing the plant’s versatility and the deep connection between the natural environment and cultural practices.
In summary, the Cherry ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) is a remarkable plant with a noteworthy botanical profile, ecological role, and cultural significance. Its enduring presence in southeastern Australia and Queensland highlights its adaptability and importance within these environments.
Common Names
Eng: cherry ballart, forest-cherry, wild cherry, native cherry, cypress cherry
En: Cherry ballart, Forest-cherry, Wild cherry, Native Cherry, Cypress Cherry
Zh: 柏櫻桃
Cs: Kvandong cypřišovitý
Synonyms
- Exocarpos dasystachyus (Schltdl.)
- Xylophyllos cupressiformis ((Labill.) Kuntze)
- Exocarpos communis (Behr ex Miq.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Victoria (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Sep 29, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Mary Graham (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2019 by David Swan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Mary Graham (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Jac Hudson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Jac Hudson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7564453)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:780179-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Exocarpos cupressiformis Labill.)