Davidsons Plum – Queensland – Davidsonia pruriens

Plant family: Cunoniaceae

Plant origin: Davidsonia pruriens occurs naturally in tropical rainforest in Northern Queensland.

Fruit description: The spectacular blue plums grow in clusters on the branches and trunk of the tree. Each plum is 30 to 55mm in diameter. If you rub the hairs off the fruit, the skin is black. The flesh inside is rich red, with a tart wonderful flavour. There are 2 flat seeds inside.

Flowers: The flowers are pink, and are produced in hanging clusters in Spring.

Growing conditions: The Davidson Plum has very large shiny leaves with many leaflets on them. The new leaves are a beautiful pink. The tree grows upright to about 8 metres high. It is happy growing in part shade or full sun. It likes rich well-drained soil and moist conditions, plenty of water to get a good crop of plums. Protect the tree from strong winds and frost. Protect the young plant in hot weather. It can also be grown in a pot.

Uses: The Queensland Davidsons plum is sweeter than the NSW relative. Eat the fruit fresh, or use it in sweet tarts, jams, sweet or savoury sauces, ice-cream, sorbet or wine.

Medicinal uses: The fruit is rich in antioxidants.

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating

Harvest time Pick the plums in Autumn, when full coloured and having a slight give when gently squeezed. The fruit falls on the ground when it is ripe.

Plant relatives Davidsonia pruriens is closely related to Davidsonia pruriens jerseyana, the Davidson's Plum found in subtropical rainforest in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland.

Special features:

Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 100mm

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 2 metres high by 1 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 8 metres high by 2.5 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 100mm