Sandalwood Nut Caching by the Woylie - Natural Regeneration of Sandalwood

Date Posted:6 May 2020 

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Sandalwood Scoop - a fresh look at Australian Sandalwood, the latest news and happenings at our Sandalwood distillery, recommended products for the season and more.

 

Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum) nut caching by the Woylie (Bettongia Penicillata)

man holding a juvenile woylie


The Woylie, a Noongar name for 'stick carrier', is a small native marsupial that has a unique and natural link to Australian Sandalwood and the wider ecosystem of their habitat. This cute little marsupial is best described as being the size of a Guinea Pig, moves around by hopping on its hind legs and has a long, flexible brush-like tail, similar to the possum.

The role the Woylie plays in the recruitment and regeneration of WA’s Sandalwood, Santalum Spicatum, is through its seed collecting behaviour. After collecting the delicious seeds, they carry them in their cheeks, before burying them in other places, to hoard as future food stocks.  By doing this, it effectively collects and plants seeds so they are most likely to grow and survive. The average distance from the source of the seeds, to the Woylies cache, is 43.1 metres and it is through their scatter-hoarding, they spread the love and significantly contribute toward the natural regeneration of Sandalwood.

'...they spread the love and significantly contribute toward the natural regeneration of Sandalwood.'


Studies on the Woylie's behaviour found significantly more germinations a distance from the Australian Sandalwood trees, at sites where Woylies inhabited than at sites they didn't. Their movements also benefit the ecosystem, by digging, (increasing water penetration into the soil), trapping seeds and other organic matter, as well as dispersing fungi, which is highly beneficial for plants.

Otherwise known as the Bush-tailed Bettong, the Woylie is now found in only 3 small Wheatbelt reserves in WA; Dryander Woodland, Tutanning & Perup Native Reserve. Due to their total population size being estimated at around 12-18,000, they are specially protected under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 as threatened fauna and listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A national recovery plan for the Woylie by the WA Department of Environment and Conservation has been in place since 2012 to regenerate the species for the future.  With this in mind, we have a special appreciation for the Woylie, which is equalled by their love for Australian Sandalwood nuts.

 

Just Cause

 The Sandalwood Shavers do their part to help shave the world! 


Raising nearly $4,000 would not have been possible without our fantastic team of 10 shavers from Mt Romance, Valley of Giants Tree Top Walk & the Amazing South Coast. We'd also like to say a big thanks for the support, to local businesses; All Events Hire, Doralane Pastries, Nans Facepainting, Woolworths Dogrock, Albany Bouncy Castle Hire, Salon Express Albany, Albany Lawn Games Hire, and local artisans who donated some wonderful prizes; @Julzscrochetcreations @NaturesArt @A&Jimpactphotography @Nicolatysoe @michellebarnes  @Voegelercreations & Steve Hutchins.

 

 

New Arrival

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends


Quintis Aromatherapy Essential Oils feature a range of well-known essential oil blends with the soft, sweet, woody aroma of the Sandalwood Album.

The suite includes 6 Pure Essential Oil Blends (containing 95% feature oil with 5% Sandalwood Album oil), and 100% pure Sandalwood Album oil. They are ideal for use in Aromatherapy:

  • SANDALWOOD ALBUM - 100% PURE: Used in ceremony & meditation to heighten attentive clarity.

  • LAVENDER: A long-lasting sweet floral aroma with soothing herbal undertones.

  • LEMONGRASS: A herbaceous aroma that heightens awareness & promotes a positive outlook.

  • WILD ORANGE: Energising, purifying the air with a sweet, refreshing aroma that restores the spirit.

  • PEPPERMINT: An awakening mint aroma that promotes deep & clear breathing.

  • GERANIUM: A calming, floral aroma that encourages peaceful, spiritual feelings.


Get yours today, click here.

 

 

Community Involvement

  

 

Albany Community Hospice Celebrate 30 Years

The 7th February 2020 saw Albany Community Hospice celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a wonderful Gala at the Albany Entertainment Centre. We were lucky enough to join in on their well-deserved celebration and decided to contribute towards a reward for their amazing hard work so far. Mt Romance donated 50 x Gift Certificates for 1hour Gong sessions. These gift certificates will be given to teams who are more often than not, the givers rather than receivers. It was a great way to promote selfcare and wellness.

Monthly Art Series - Steve Hutchins

Steve has lived in Albany for 16 years and enjoys the great coastal scenery and relaxed lifestyle it offers. He always had an interest in photography, so since joining a local photographic club upon his retirement, he is now able to spend plenty of time behind the camera. Steve's style, he says, is perhaps a little different in that, while he enjoys all aspects of photography, he has a keen eye for subjects, (or part thereof) from a different perspective capturing things others may not notice. For more information or to exhibit as part of this series please contact 08 9845 6817.

 

Until next time,

The Mt Romance Team.