Burdekin Plum

By Geoff Holloway

Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timorense), also known as Tulip Plum, is an Australian native rainforest tree growing to 12 metres in garden settings, and up to 20 metres in its natural habitat on Queensland’s east coast.

The trunk is often irregular in cross-section, bark is dark brown, very scaly, rough and sheds in oblong pieces. Heartwood is pale to dark reddish brown, usually streaked with darker bands, close straight grained, fine texture and density at 930kg/m³. Sapwood is usually pinkish brown.

The tree also produces plump, acidic fruits that are only edible when ripe. The wood is used for cabinet making, turnery & walking sticks. Photos of local Burdekin Plum trees at Kholo Gardens and Kinnane Park North Booval.