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Davidsonia jerseyana

Davidsons Plum Foliage
Davidsons Plum Foliage

Davidsons Plum or Mullumbimby Plum

One of the best known bush tucker plants, Davidsons Plum actually comes in three types. It is Davidsonia jerseyana, which grows in sub tropical to tropical rainforest areas that is most widely grown for the fruit.

The fruit,which forms along the trunk of the tree,  when ripe is a purple plum colour, and is becoming very popular in restaurants around the country. The tree will grow as a single trunked plant or a multi stemmed shrubby plant.

The small pink flowers that form along the trunk itself develop into large purple fruits that hang in clusters. Unlike the Japanese and European plums, the fruit is acidic or sour with a strong taste. This is a self pollinating tree that fruits in late summer. The fruit that forms on the trunk of the tree is green at first and changing colour to purple as it ripens.

You could grow Davidsons Plum as an ornamental tree when trained to a single trunk.

Uses

The fruit is used to make jams, sauces, wine, ice-cream and cooked with meat dishes. Fruit, if eaten fresh, is usually peeled before eating as the skin is a little tough.

Davidsons Plum Flowers
Davidsons Plum Flowers

Care

This is naturally an understory plant, so it does grow best in dappled shade. In cooler climates you will need to provide a frost free sheltered and warm position to create a micro climate for growing conditions where the plant will fruit.

How To Grow

In cultivation Davidsons Plum is usually pruned to a smaller size for ease of collecting the fruit. The best time to prune is in late winter.

  1. Prepare the soil before planting.
  2. Amend with well rotted compost and some aged caw manure.
  3. Plant at the same depths it was in the container.
  4. Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
  5. Stake to allow the tree to settle in without movement.
  6. Mulch around the plant too maintain a cool root run.
  7. Water through the first summer.

Summary Information

  • Botanical Name – Davidsonia jerseyana
  • Common Names – Davidsons Plum and Mullumbimby plum
  • Position – Best in part shade.
  • Soil – Humus rich, moist and well drained.
  • Height – To around 5 metres.
  • Spread – Will form a crown of around 4 metres across over time.
  • Growth Rate – Medium.
  • Foliage – Mid green and pinnate leaves.
  • Flowers – Pink to red depending on the variety.
  • Flowering Time – Mid summer to winter depending on climate.
  • Frost tolerant – No

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