Davidson Plum

Common Names & Species:

• Davidson’s Plum (Davidsonia jerseyana).
• Queensland Davidson’s Plum (Davidsonia pruriens).

Family:
Davidsoniaceae.

Aboriginal Name :
Orray (Qld).

Native To:

• Davidson’s plum (D. jerseyana) occurs in sub-tropical rainforest in northern NSW (listed as endangered : there is a draft recovery plan for this species developed by NSW National Parks).
• Queensland Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens) is native to north east Queensland.

>> Virtual Herbarium

Habit:
Tree, 6-8 metres
>> PIRSA fact sheet

Part Used:
Fruit.
Colour: Brilliant burgundy.
Appearance: Plum like fruit.
Size: Vary in size from a grape to a large plum (3 – 6cm in diameter)

Flavour:
Sour plum-like.

Food Use:
For fruit-type flavour in sweet and savoury products.

Current Retail Product Categories:
Jams & conserves, dipping sauce, wine, colourings, flavouring in sauces and drinks.

Food Quality & Safety Issues:
Currently there is no industry-wide product description or quality standards developed or published for this crop, though individual market channel groups are likely to be working to in-house standards.

Crop collection, production and handling systems will eventually require the implementation of HACCP-based food safety systems.

Wild Harvest/Cultivated Supplies:
Limited wild harvested supplies are in the process of being superseded by cultivated sources.

Wild Harvest Locations:
Lowland and highland rainforests of north Qld. Limited harvesting in northern NSW and southern Qld coasts. Note that D. jerseyanais listed as an endangered species in NSW.

Cultivation Locations:
Northern NSW and Qld coasts. In cultivation, Davison’s Plum requires shelter from hot, cold and dry winds. Adequate water is required for tree growth, flowering, fruit set and fruit growth. Yields may vary from season to season.

Approx Wholesale (‘Farm Gate’) Prices:
Davidson plum Frozen whole $24/kg.
Frozen deseeded halves $16 /kg (NSW Davidson plum) and $12/kg (Qld Davidson Plum).
Frozen Puree $9-10/kg.

Current Volumes Traded:
In order of 4-6 tonnes per annum (2001).