Santalum lanceolatum
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| Santalum lanceolatum R.Br. |
Santalum lanceolatum, also known as Burdardu, is a species of tree from the Santalaceae family, culturally significant to the northern regions of Western Australia.
The plant is used by the people of the northwest for medicinal purposes, and is placed within the 'Burndad song cycle' of those countries.[1] The species has a distribution throughout central Australia, becoming scattered or unusual in more southern regions.[2] It was described by Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae (1810).[3]
Santalum lanceolatum are hemi-parasites, obtaining some of their requirements from the roots of other plants. The height of this shrub is variable, from 1 to 7 metres. The flowers are green, white, and cream; appearing between January and October. Occurrence of this species may be on creeklines or river beds, but they are also found in arid situations: on red sand dunes and limestone formations.[2]
Large populations of Santalum lanceolatum are recorded at Gregory Gorge, which is located at the Fortescue River. As with the related taxa, in the genus Santalum, the products of this tree have been used in a variety of ways. By processing the nut, the oil of the kernel can be utilised as a hair tonic. The antibacterial qualities of its roots, is prepared as a paste and used as a topical cream. The leaves are also used to repel insects, by burning them.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Burndud (1990). Wanggalili; Yinjibarndi and Ngarluma Plants. Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation.
- ^ a b Santalum lanceolatum R.Br.. FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
- ^ Santalum lanceolatum R.Br.. Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
