Davidsonia pruriens

F. Muell.

Davidson’s plum, Queensland Itch tree

Cunoniaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 246 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Davidsonia pruriens, also known as ooray, Davidson's plum, or Queensland Davidson's plum, is a medium-sized rainforest tree of northern Queensland, Australia. The leaves are large and compound. The edible dark burgundy colored fruit is produced in large clusters from the branches or the trunk, depending on the type. There are at least two distinct forms, with a suggestion that one of these is an undescribed species. The indigenous name - ooray - is being increasingly used by growers and processors.

Description

A tall shrub or small tree. It grows up to 3-9 m tall. It spreads 1.5-5 m across. The trunk can be 30 cm across. The leaves are compound. There are 9-19 leaflets. These are 6-30 cm long. They are hairy. The leaflets have teeth along the edge. The fruit are 3-5 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. They hang in bunches in the axils of leaves. The surface of the fruit have fine golden hairs which are irritating. There are 2 seeds inside. The fruit are edible.

Edible Uses

The tree is cultivated to a limited extent for its sour fruit, which is used to make jam, sauces, cordial and wine. The fruit is high in antioxidant activity.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are stewed with sugar or made into jam or jelly. It is also used for salad dressings and sauce.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

The pink, new growth of the leaves has soft but irritant hairs. Hydrogen cyanide has been reported from this species and the consumption of the fruit has sometimes resulted in vomiting and epigastric pain.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows naturally in rainforest in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens hot house. It needs well drained soil and is best in light shade. It is damaged by drought and frost. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 1095 m altitude.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia*, Fiji, Pacific, Sri Lanka,

Cultivation

It can be grown from fresh seed. It can also be grown from cuttings. Suckers can also be used.

Propagation

Seed - it germinates within a few weeks if sown fresh.

Production

It is slow growing. Once established it grows more rapidly.

Other Information

It is now grown commercially.

Notes

There are 2 Davidsonia species. It is high in anti-oxidants.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Fruit	90.6	72	17	0.4	—	—	1.2	0.5

Also Known As

Do-rog, Ooray

References (39)

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Beasley, J., 2011, Plants of Tropical North Queensland - the compact guide. Footloose publications. p 109
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