Exocarpos

Exocarpos is a genus of about 25 species of shrubs and small trees in the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. The genus is native to Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. The name Exocarpos is derived from the Greek words exo, meaning "outside," and karpos, meaning "fruit," referring to the fleshy, enlarged receptacle that surrounds the true fruit, which is a drupe. This fleshy part is often sweet and edible, and it is a significant food source for native fauna.

Species of Exocarpos are typically evergreen, with small, leathery leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish or yellowish, and borne in small clusters. The fruits are a distinctive feature, with the enlarged, fleshy receptacle developing to enclose the drupe. This adaptation is thought to aid in seed dispersal by birds and other animals that consume the receptacle.

One of the most well-known species is Exocarpos cupressiformis, commonly known as native cherry or drooping she-oak. It is widely distributed across temperate Australia and is often found in woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests. Its common name comes from the resemblance of its receptacle to a cherry. Another notable species is Exocarpos sparteus, or broom ballart, which is found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia and is known for its broom-like appearance.

Some Exocarpos species have been used by Indigenous Australians for food and medicinal purposes. The seeds are generally not edible. The genus plays an important role in Australian ecosystems, providing food and habitat for wildlife.