DAVIDSON’S PLUM

SmallBiologie – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons
Zaareo – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia Commons

General Info – Davidson Plum, Mullumbimby plum, Ooray

Indigenous to the East Coast of Australia, the Davidson Plum is a notable Bush Tucker plant encompassing three Davidsonia species. D. Jerseyana, found in North East NSW, D. Johnsonii, native to North East NSW and South East Queensland, recognized as the Smooth variety, and D. Pruriens, indigenous to North East Queensland, also known as the Ooray.
Davidson Plums have an intensely sour and astringent flavour with its taste closely resembling that of Plums. The bright sharpness of their acidity makes them excellently suited for crafting both sweet like Jams and Cordials and savoury like sauces. Plants produce appealing purple fruits that boast a vibrant, blood-red flesh that is abundant in antioxidants.
The growth pattern of Davidson Plum is reminiscent of Papaya, initially featuring a slender, tall trunk that directly bears fruit in a striking display. As they mature however, they develop into a multi-branched tree. Mature foliage of the Davidson Plum is characterized by a coarse texture, with hairy, jagged-edged leaves exuding rustic charm, while the new growth is soft and showcases an attractive light red hue. Plants have interesting red flowers and contrasting yellow stamens. The height of the tree is partially dependent on the species, but can range between 4-12m.
Mature plants exhibit tolerance to light frosts and are well-suited to subtropical and frost-free temperate climates. Thriving in shaded, moist environments, the Davidson Plum, being an understory plant, can endure heavy shade. A fertile, moist, well-draining soil is ideal although they are adaptable to many other soil types.
Due to its compact size, it serves as an outstanding fill-in plant for small, sheltered, shaded spaces within the garden.

Plant Profile/Properties

Latin NameDavidsonia (Jerseyana, Pruriens, Johnsonii)
Place of OriginSubtropical Australia
PropagationSeedling, Cutting
Deciduous/EvergreenEvergreen
Pollination (info)Self Pollinating
Average Max Height10m
Average Time to Fruiting2-3 Years
Harvest PeriodFebruary-June
Growth RateMedium
Chill Hours (info)N/A
Cultivars/Varieties in AustraliaQLD, NSW, Smooth
Dwarfing VarietiesNo
Preferred Climate(s) (info)Subtropical, Warm Temperate
Marginal Climate(s)Tropical
Cold Tolerance when Mature (info)Low (-2)
Rainfall (info)Medium
Pot SuitabilityYes
Sun/Shade TolerancePart Shade – Full Shade
Preferred Soil (info)Poor-Good Drainage
Preferred PH (info)Acid to Slightly Acid (4.5-6.5)
Drought ToleranceLow
Wind Tolerance (info)Low
Salt Tolerance (info)No
Pests & DiseasesFruit Fly, Caterpillars

Where to Purchase – Online Nurseries (Australia Only)

NurseryDaleysRoss Creek TropicalsFruitopia NurseryHeaven on Earth Fruit TreesBamboo Land
Category PageLink
NSW (Jerseyana)LinkLinkLinkLink
QLD (Pruriens)LinkLinkLinkLink
Smooth (Johnsonii) – CuttingLink (C)Link (C)Link
All Varieties are Seedling grown unless noted. Please reach out to us (Contact & Socials) if you come across any broken links, incorrect details, or if you represent an online nursery that sells the products mentioned above.