How a childhood memory of a single pea led to a passion for Quandongery
In short: For Richard, a simple afternoon in Northern Ireland sparked a lifelong obsession with Australian flora. Today, he cultivates the quandong, a semi-parasitic superfood. Discover the unique mechanics of this native species and the family legacy behind its cultivation.
The quandong, or Santalum acuminatum, is far more than a simple fruit tree. Found throughout much of southern Australia, this species possesses a fascinating survival mechanism: it is semi-parasitic. The tree's roots latch onto other plant species, effectively tapping into their water and nutrient supplies to sustain itself. Beyond its biological complexity, a single tree can expand into an entire system, as new individuals emerge directly from the original root structure.
For collector Richard, the drive to cultivate these plants is deeply personal. His fascination with nature began at age five in the Ballyclare countryside of Northern Ireland, sparked by the wonder of eating a small pea found in a field. Though his family returned to Ireland when he was only 18 months old, Richard eventually returned to his birthplace near Northam, Western Australia, in his late teens. This return solidified his dedication to Australian native plants, a passion heavily influenced by his wife, Lola, a Ballardong woman whose knowledge of bush foods has been central to his work for nearly 30 years.
The rewards of this botanical pursuit are both culinary and ecological. The quandong fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, offering a distinctively sour flavor. Richard uses these fruits in everything from jams and chutneys to pies paired with apples or mulberries. To propagate the species, he uses a manual method: removing the flesh from the seeds and using a hammer to carefully crack the outer shell, ensuring oxygen reaches the kernel. This effort supports a broader ecosystem, as his biodiverse conservation verge in Joondalup attracts a diverse array of local birds and insects.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Meeting a collector of Western Australian flora | Australian native plants | Gardening Australia
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