DAVIDSONS PLUMS

exquisite tart plum fruit

T he Davidsons Plum is a rainforest understory tree that occurs naturally in different varieties from Northern NSW to Far North Queensland. It is a lovely palm shaped tree with graceful fronds and hairy stems with the fruit forming in clusters directly on the stem. These days it is quite rare in the wild, but is now being cultivated to great success. Affectionately known locally as Davo’s, they are usually referred to as Ooray fruit in Queensland - the aboriginal name. Unofficially there are 4 species of Davidsonia with a variety within one of these. Kris Kupsch a local expert provides the following information:

Davidsonia johnsoni which is known only from about 25 locations between Tintenbar (NENSW) - Nimbim - Tullebudgera Valley (SEQLD). Seed is known however this is a very rare event. Fruits within the leaf axils and on fresh shoots from the branches.

Davidsonia jerseyana which is only known to occur between Mullumbimby (NENSW)and just to the north and west of Murwillumbah (NENSW). Easily grown - fruits between November and February on the trunk and within the leaf axils.

Davidsonia pruriens (hairy form) bears large fruits which are densely covered in stellate hairs. The leaves are deeply indented in the veins. This species can fruit at any time of the year but is most prevalent in the cooler months (April - October). Hairy Davo's occur ll through he wet tropics and are common on the Atherton Tablelands. It is also found in the Daintree and other lowland areas between Innisfail (NQLD) and Cooktown (NQLD).

Davidsonia pruriens (typical form) is the species Ferdinand von Mueller found and described in the 1800's. He lumped it with the southern jerseyana as it is also cauliflorous with age. Large leaves and produces masses of smooth fruit in bunches from inflorescences on the trunk.

Davo’s are incredibly sour, not the type of fruit you eat straight from the tree, but their wonderful sharp acidity makes them perfect for jams and sauces of all kinds. Davo’s become deliciously tangy when cooked and the colour is nothing short of spectacular – a davo sauce looks sensational drizzled around the plate for presentation!

So versatile, Davo’s can be used for sweet or savoury dishes – anywhere that a plum flavour with tang is desired. They team with Bush Tomatoes well for a unique very Aussie taste. Or try a sweet chilli davo plum sauce, great with all kinds of meat as a marinade or dressing, as well as giving your vegetarian meals the edge. 

DAVIDSONS PLUMS PRODUCTS AVAILABLE:

We have NSW, Qld hairy and Qld smooth Davidsons plums available fresh almost all year.

Frozen whole and frozen de-seed plums are always available.

Davidsons Plum Rainforest Fruit Jelly is our best seller and is available in 250g retail jars or 1.25kg Food Service Jars.