Australian Plum (Podocarpus elatus)

Family: Podocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Podocarpus elatus is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich and sweet. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; It makes a tasty jelly.; Mucilaginous with a resinous flavour.; A reasonable size, the fruit is about 25mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Coastal scrub forest. Once a common tree in Australia, it is now rare due to the destruction of the rainforests. (Zone 9)