How to Grow and Care for Exocarpos

Native cherry is a tree indigenous to Australia that looks somewhat like a cypress. Native cherry doesn't have a strong root in its early stage of life, so it's partly parasitic for a while, but as it matures it relies more and more on its own root system. Due to the parasitic life of the young plant, propagation, establishment, and cultivation of native cherry are quite difficult.

Exocarpos bidwillii is a dioecious shrub endemic to alpine and subalpine regions, featuring slender branches and sparse, scale-like leaves. Its most striking feature are the red, fleshy fruit-like structures called pedicellate, which actually surround the true, tiny seeds. This intriguing plant has adapted to attract birds for seed dispersal, contributing to its survival in harsh, mountainous landscapes.

Exocarpos humifusus is a low-lying, ground-covering shrub found in rocky and arid habitats. Its spreading habit allows it to thrive in harsh conditions, with small, leathery leaves adapted to conserve water. It produces distinctive red berries that provide a stark contrast to its green foliage and the barren landscapes it often inhabits.

Jointed cherry is a resilient shrub, noteworthy for its absence of traditional leaves, a survival trait for arid regions. It compensates with green stems performing photosynthesis. Distinctive features include tiny, scale-like leaf remnants and red, cherry-like fruit, placing it in unique contrast to its often sparse, rugged habitat.

Broad leaved native cherry is a bushy shrub, flaunting broad, glossy green leaves that provide a stunning backdrop for its vibrant red stalks. These stalks are crowned by pale edible berries that seem to hover, creating a striking visual effect. Thriving in open woodlands, broad leaved native cherry's unique form and fruiting behavior display an adaptation to attract birds for seed dispersion, ensuring its proliferation in its native habitat.