Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) Terminalia ferdinandiana
Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Combretaceae family, native to Tropical savanna woodland of northern Australia (Kimberley, Top End). It grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 m (16–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (raw, or as powder, jam and juice) |
| Native to | Tropical savanna woodland of northern Australia (Kimberley, Top End) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
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 Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum)
- How far apart should I plant Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Notes and assumptions
- A small, slender savanna tree that drops its leaves in the dry season. Its small green fruit has the highest vitamin C content recorded for any fruit, often over 50 times that of an orange; harvested by Aboriginal communities and sold as a powder. Strictly tropical: no frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Rangoon creeper Combretum indicum
- Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) Terminalia catappa
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera