Smooth Davidson's plum
This table has 4 rows columns about scientific name, Queensland conservation status, Commonwealth conservation status and local species status.
| Scientific name: |
Davidsonia johnsonii |
| Queensland conservation status: |
Endangered |
| Commonwealth conservation status: |
Endangered |
| Local species status: |
Priority species for conservation |
What does it look like?
Smooth Davidson’s plum is a bushy, branched small tree growing between 5 and 18 metres in height. The large, toothed leaves are distinct, especially the new reddish growth. This species differs from the more common Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens) by its hairless leaves. Flowers are small, dark pink and occur in bunches from the main stem. The fruiting period varies between populations, but generally ripens from February to June. The edible fruit are 3 to 4 centimetres in diameter, juicy, acidic and contain flat seeds.
Where does it live?
The species has a highly fragmented distribution from the Tallebudgera and Numinbah valleys in Queensland, south to Tintenbar in coastal New South Wales. Gold Coast records include Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley and Natural Bridge.
Ecology & habitat
The majority of the known smooth Davidson’s plum populations are found in wet eucalypt forests with a smaller number known from subtropical rainforest and in transition areas (ecotones) between wet eucalypt and rainforest. Most remaining populations are close to the coast. The species is found from 15 to 270 metres in altitude, generally on moderate slopes, creek flats and gullies. It has also been recorded in isolated clumps in paddocks or in vegetation regrowth dominated by invasive weeds.
Smooth Davidson’s plum is clonal and habitually occurs in clumps consisting of numerous root suckers from the parent plant. Reproduction is only known to occur through root suckering and is most common where there has been soil disturbance, such as slashing. The species is slow growing, only fruiting at approximately 10 years of age when trees are 2 to 3 metres in height.
How is its survival threatened?
- Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural and urban development
- Low genetic diversity
- Slow to mature with low seed production and viability limit population recovery
- All known natural populations in South East Queensland are located outside of protected areas
How can we help?
- Improve knowledge of the distribution of the species
- Support the protection and monitor the existing populations, which are only known to occur on private land
- Support the restoration of disturbed habitat around existing populations.
- Establish at least 2 new populations in suitable habitat in Council conservation areas
- Provide education to private landholders with potential habitat where the species may occur
Image credit: R Linnane