Davidson’s plum Davidsonia pruriens
Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Cunoniaceae family, native to Tropical rainforest of north-east Queensland. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Davidson’s plum at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cunoniaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (very sour; jam, sauces, wine) |
| Native to | Tropical rainforest of north-east Queensland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Davidson’s plum toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: hairs on leaves and stems
Leaves and young stems are covered in fine irritant hairs (pruriens means itching); wear gloves when picking.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Davidson’s plum
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Davidson’s plum
- How far apart should I plant Davidson’s plum?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Davidson’s plum need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Davidson’s plum need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Davidson’s plum?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Davidson’s plum flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Davidson’s plum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Leaves and young stems are covered in fine irritant hairs (pruriens means itching); wear gloves when picking.
- What grows well with Davidson’s plum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Davidson’s plum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- A slender rainforest tree with huge hairy pinnate leaves and clusters of dark purple, plum-like fruit growing straight from the trunk. The deep red flesh is very sour and is cooked into jam and sauces. Needs a warm, humid, frost-free spot.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica