Davidsonia pruriens
Davidson Plum
Davidsonia pruriens
Davidsonia pruriens, Ooray, is one of the most distinctive trees in the garden and can bring major interest to dark corners as well as full sun locations. Ooray is a columnar treethat has the capability to get up to 25 or more feet. It’s bright red, fuzzy, new growth gives way to huge pinnate leaves that have the potential to reach up to 2 feet in length! The flowers hang down from the canopy on long panicles that are soon covered with large purple fruits that are sure to make your mouth pucker. This is probably the closest you can get to sour candy in a fruit! The fruits are sweet and sour and have major potential to be used in a variety of applications.
Family: Cunoniaceae
Name: Davidsonia pruriens
Common Name / Native Name: Davidson’s Plum, Ooray
Range: Eastern Australia
Sun: Full sun/ Part shade
Height: 40+ feet
Width:8-12 feet
Foliage: Huge pinnate leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long, new flushes of growth bright red
Flower: A panicle of flowers that is somewhat inconspicuous except for it’s long peduncle bringing it far from the canopy and into sight.
Fruit: The fruit is medium sized and has a deep purple exterior making it look like a plum. The interior flesh is deep red/purple and surrounds one seed.
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidic soil but will tolerate high pH
USDA Climate Zones: 9a/9b and up
Cold Hardiness: Has survived frosts in the Santa Cruz area
Edibility: The fruit can be eaten in the wild but is only for those that are ready for the strong tart taste. The fruits are often processed and have added sugar. Although, the fruits have a very distinctive flavor and have major potential to be added to food and drink products, afterall, they make the best Jam I’ve ever had.
Age to maturity (Time to flower): 4-8 years
Sources:
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Davidsonia+pruriens