ANDRE LEU
The Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) is a common edible native species found in our drier coastal and inland rainforests. It can be found in the foreshore vegetation of Four Mile Beach and Wangetti Beach in the Douglas Shire.
Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander collected fruits and botanical specimens in Australia near the Endeavour River in 1770.
It is a widespread Indo-Pacific species that can be found from India, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and across the Pacific Islands. In Australia it can be found along the Queensland coast from Gympie Northwards.
The fruits were widely eaten by Indigenous cultures and the early settlers in Queensland. They usually need to be stored for a few days to let them soften after harvest. Indigenous Australians used to bury them in the sand for several days to ‘sweeten’ them before eating them. They also make great jams and preserves.
The trees are very attractive and can grow up to 20 meters tall in forest conditions, however usually only reach 12 meters in cultivation.
The flowers and fruits attract bees, butterflies and birds into gardens.
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