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This one was produced by an emu and is full of Sandalwood seeds.
Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) was once common across south-west Western Australia but was harvested extensively – with the trees being pulled out roots and all by camels, horses and trucks. So, in many areas it is now rare.
Much of the Sandalwood on Charles Darwin Reserve suffered the same fate and few are left. But emus eat the seeds and are dispersing them across the landscape from the remaining trees.
Sandalwood is hemiparasitic, meaning that when seeds germinate their roots seek out those of other plants and tap into them for nutrients and sugars. Only seeds that land in just the right spot will survive to become adult trees. However, as the emus wander about they are clearly lobbing their droppings in the right places because we are now seeing plenty of seedlings across the reserve.
Sheep, goats and rabbits were preventing regeneration. But we've removed the sheep and goats, and substantially reduced the rabbits, so not only Sandalwood but all the other plant species on the reserve are recovering nicely.
This is all made possible by generous donations from both our supporters and the emus.
