Illawarra Plum Pine

Botanical Name: Podocarpus elatus
Common Names: Illawarra Plum, Plum Pine, Daalgaal

Illawarra plum is an Australian native rainforest tree that copes well in Perth backyards. It produces a mild grapelike fruit with seed on the outside. The fruit is dark purplevthat tastes like a mix of plum, grape and subtle pine. It makes a great hardy ornamental tree, edible hedge, or unique fruit addition to your native garden space.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 3-5m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade in Perth Metro

Minimum pot year 5: 50L pot

Time to fruit age: 5-7years from seed

Illawarra plums are slow starters but grow into tough, glossy trees. They feature long narrow leaves and handle sandy coastal soils once rooted. The trees need both male and female plants around to set fruit, so planting a small group ensures you get a breeding pair. They tolerate dry spells well after establishing and thrive with regular watering in warm weather.

Interesting Notes:
The dark purple fruit stems are packed with antioxidants, boasting higher levels than blueberries. Indigenous Australians have enjoyed Daalgaal for thousands of years, eating them raw or cooking them into sweet spreads.

The tree makes a fantastic windbreak or dense screen, giving birds cover.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Illawarra plum, Podocarpus elatus, plum pine tree, Australian native fruit, bush food Perth