Davidson's Plum - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Davidsonia jerseyana

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Davidson’s Plum grows to 10 m tall, either with a single unbranched stem or several stems arising from the base. The large, hairy leaves are bunched towards the top of the trunk, and are divided into 7 - 17 large, toothed leaflets. Small pinkish flowers are borne directly from the main stem in long, loose clusters. The plum-like fruits are prized as bush food.

Distribution

Restricted to north-east NSW to as far south as Wardell.

Habitat and ecology

Lowland subtropical rainforest and wet eucalypt forest at low altitudes (below 300m).
Many trees are isolated in paddocks and on roadsides in former rainforest habitats.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat.
Grazing by domestic stock.
Roadworks.
Invasion of habitat by weeds.
Fire.
Collection of fruit for bush food, and seeds for horticulture.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 15 priority actions to help recover the Davidson's Plum in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect from fire.
Exclude grazing.
Protect roadside plants during road-works.
Control weeds.
Protect remaining areas of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest habitat.
Encourage habitat regeneration around isolated plants.
Seek a permit from the DEC before collecting fruit from the wild and buy plants only from appropriately licensed nurseries.

Information sources

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Recovery Plan for the Davidson's Plum (Davidsonia jerseyana). DEC (NSW), Hurstville NSW.
Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	North of Ballina
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	East of Tyalgum
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Images

Buds and trunk, Davidson's Plum. Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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