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Burdekin Plum
This close relative of the Mango is a native tropical rainforest tree. The deep purple fleshy plum-like fruits need to be held for some days to soften and mellow. Early settlers (probably taught by the Aborigines) were known to bury them in the ground which had the effect of softening them and increasing palatability. The fruit can be eaten raw, or used in wines, jams and jellies. The burdekin plum is exceptionally hardy and can cope with long dry periods once it is established. It does however prefer free draining soil and lots of sunshine to perform well.
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 8-20 | Medium | Beneficial | Evergreen | Summer - February |
We welcome your Tips on Burdekin Plum. Share Your Tip.
You have to store them in a air tight acontainer in the fridge | Alice Ashleigh - Wagga Wagga, NSW 20-Mar-2006
The burdekin plum is a good berry to try in fruit cakes | Garry - Katherine, N.T. 06-Sep-2007
Planting Burdekin Plums from seed. Sow about 4 cm deep, need good quality soil, full sun and needs to be well watered. keep bugs and pests away from the small plant. | Ceilidh O'sullivan - Bundaberg, QLD 28-Apr-2008
Before planting from seed, soak seed in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. | Ceilidh O'sullivan - Bundaberg, QLD 28-Apr-2008
The dry seeds found under parenting trees can be used to make jewellry beads! Also, throw seeds in fresh water creeks or rivers and they can grow in more places. | Ceilidh O'sullivan - Bundaberg, QLD 28-Apr-2008
I have a tree grown from seed originating at Mt Perry. A heavy crop after 6 years. I am allowing fruit to ripen and dry in sugar and some salt.When finished I will let all know the result. A bit tart for me as is! | Russell Drinkwater - Eidsvold, QLD 09-May-2008
I made a cordial by boiling the ripe whole fruit & straining the liquid, then added sugar. Does anyone have any jam/jelly recipes? | Frana Mckinstry - Townsville, QLD 26-May-2008
Burdekin plums are like paw paw's. you need a male and a female tree to be able to produce fruit. | Ceilidh O'sullivan - Bundaberg, QLD 07-Oct-2008
I use fertiliser for my 1 and half year old plant. I reccomend Osmocote native plants. Availadle from Bunnings warehouse. | Ceilidh O'sullivan - Bundaberg, QLD 07-Oct-2008
A friend just substituted Burdekin Plums for say ordinary plums – boiled up the chopped plums with sugar, removed the seeds (left skin in for jam and strained for a jelly). Very Nice! | Carol Davis - Proserpine, QLD 18-Jun-2009
I heard a good one recently ...soak overnight with charcoal to soak up the bitterness. this was apparently done by the aboriginals. I have not tried it. If anyone has some ripe fruit I have a lady keen to make jam with it. | Denise Wild - Captain Creek, QLD 05-Jan-2010
Burdekin plum's are just like normal plum except better taste | Dick Head Licker - Brisbane, QLD 12-Mar-2010
We have a large burdekin plum tree that produces a bumpa crop of fruits. They are not very tasty as a little astringent but if left to soften a bit better. Haven't tried to make anything with them. Flying fox love them. | Faye Pini - Cooktown, QLD 12-May-2010
Updated: 20th of April, 2010 at 11:06am © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright