Davidson's plum

Davidson's Plum (Davidsonia) is a genus of three species of rainforest trees indigenous to Australia. They are commonly known as Davidson's Plum and are part of the Cunoniaceae family. The fruit of these trees is used in sauces, jams, and desserts.

Taxonomy

The genus Davidsonia was first described by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1863. It was named in honor of the Scottish-Australian botanist and explorer William Davidson who was the first European to discover the plant. The genus contains three species: Davidsonia jerseyana, Davidsonia johnsonii, and Davidsonia pruriens.

Description

Davidson's Plum trees are small to medium-sized rainforest trees that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets per leaf. The fruit is a dark purple drupe, resembling a plum, hence the common name. The fruit is very acidic and is not typically eaten raw, but is used in a variety of culinary applications.

Distribution and habitat

Davidson's Plum trees are native to the rainforests of eastern Australia. Davidsonia jerseyana is found in the subtropical rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland, Davidsonia johnsonii is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, and Davidsonia pruriens is found in the rainforests of northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Cultivation and uses

Davidson's Plum trees are cultivated for their fruit, which is used in sauces, jams, desserts, and wines. The fruit is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium. The trees are also used in reforestation projects and as ornamental plants due to their attractive foliage and fruit.

Conservation

All three species of Davidson's Plum are listed as vulnerable under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The main threats to these species are habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.

See also

• List of Australian native plants
• Australian cuisine
• Rainforest