Davidsons Plum

Ooray or the Mullumbimby Plum

Davidsonia is a genus containing three rainforest tree species native to Australia, commonly known as the Davidson Plum. Unrelated to the European plum they have an edible sour fruit with burgundy-coloured flesh.

The genus Davidsonia is named after John Ewen Davidson who claimed the land from which the tree was first botanically described. The Scot arrived in Australia in 1865 and did a crash course in how to farm sugar before setting up a plantation at Cardwell on mainland Australia off the northern tip of Queensland's Hinchinbrook Island. He aggressively protected his holding, was instrumental in the death of large number of Aboriginals, aided by specialised mounted military units consisting of detachments of excessively violent Aboriginal troopers. These Native Police under the command of White officers appointed by colonial governments were sent into lands foreign to them to ensure they would have little familiarity with the local people they were employed to shoot. They remained in service until 1915, fifteen years after Davidson had returned permanently to England.

Davidsonia jerseyana, also known as Mullumbimby Plum, grows on a small, slender tree that reaches around 5 metres in height. The small dark pink or red flowers give way to a fruit which contains two large seed cases with a single seed. The fibrous flesh is dark red when fully ripe and its taste is sour with some astringency and slight bitterness. The trees fruit between November and February. This species of Davidsons plum has been a staple in the Aboriginal diet for thousands of years primarily for medicinal purposes. The plums were consumed raw and the tree trunks used to make harpoons for catching turtles and hunting dugong.

The second species, Davidsonia johnsonii is also native to subtropical New South Wales / South East Queensland is considered endangered.

The third, Davidsonia pruriens, also known as Ooray, is taller than the first two species, reaching up to 12 metres. Slender, with larger fruit which are produced in large clusters from the trunk or branches. Endemic to far north Queensland the fruit have been utilised by indigenous people numerous customs, dreaming stories, ceremonies and significant cultural sites.

Whatever it is or should be called, this tarty fruit makes magnificent jam and sauce. Freeze dried powder and chocolate is a spectacular marriage - in chocolates, cakes, biscuits, muffins and drinks.

https://www.bushfoodshop.com.au/davidsons-plum-powder/