Davidsonia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Davidsonia
Davidsonia jerseyana
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Oxalidales
Family:	Cunoniaceae
Genus:	Davidsonia F.Muell

Davidsonia is a group of three special rainforest trees found only in Australia. They are usually called Davidson's plum or just Davidson plum. Even though their fruits look a bit like European plums, they are not related at all. All three types of Davidson's plum trees grow a fruit that is sour and has a beautiful burgundy (dark red-purple) color inside. People really like these fruits as a special kind of bushfood (food found naturally in the Australian bush).

What are Davidson's Plums?

Davidson's plums are unique trees that grow in the warm, wet rainforests of Australia. Their fruits are famous for being very sour but also very tasty. They are often used to make jams, sauces, and even ice cream. These trees are an important part of Australia's natural plant life and traditional foods.

Types of Davidson's Plums

There are three main types of Davidson's plum trees, each with its own special features:

• Davidsonia jerseyana, also known as Davidson's plum or Mullumbimby plum, is a tall, thin tree. It usually grows to about 5 meters (16 feet) high. This tree is found in the lowland subtropical rainforests of New South Wales. Sadly, it is an endangered species in the wild. However, many people grow it because its pleasantly sour fruit is great for making jam, wine, ice-cream, and sauces.

• Davidsonia johnsonii, or smooth Davidson's plum, is a smaller tree. It has branches that spread out and leaves that feel smooth. You can find this tree in New South Wales and southeast Queensland. Like Davidsonia jerseyana, it is also an endangered species in nature. It is not grown as much because its seeds often cannot grow new plants. Instead, new Davidsonia johnsonii trees are grown from cuttings (small pieces of the plant) or by dividing its roots.

• Davidsonia pruriens, called Ooray or Queensland Davidson's plum, is the tallest of the three. It can grow up to 12 meters (39 feet) high. This tree is also slender and produces larger fruits. These fruits grow in big bunches directly from the tree's trunk or main branches.

Growing Davidson's Plums

Because Davidson's plums are so popular, some small farms in New South Wales and Queensland grow them. Most of the plums grown for sale are from Davidsonia jerseyana and Davidsonia pruriens trees. This helps meet the demand for these special Australian fruits.

Images for kids

• 

  Davidsonia jerseyana, Davidson's Plum, flower & trunk.

• 

  Davidsonia jerseyana flower & trunk, Nimbin, New South wales, Australia.

• 

  Davidsonia jerseyana, Davidson's plum, Nimbin, New South Wales, Australia.

• 

  Davidsonia johnsonii leaf, smooth Davidson's plum. Cultivated tree Northern NSW, Australia.

• 

  Davidsonia pruriens flowers

• 

  Davidsonia pruriens flowers and foliage

• 

  Davidson's plum seedling, Davidsonia pruriens - showing its characteristic toothed leaves.

See also

In Spanish: Davidsonia para niños