Illawarra Plum is also known as the Daalgaal, Goongum or Plum Pine
Podocarpus elatus is an evergreen tree with a dense, dark green crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall
This tree is a common rainforest species endemic to the east coast of Australia
The tree does not have cones like other conifers but instead have a single seed attached by a fleshy stem to the branch
Trees are moderately tolerant of frost but as for all rainforest trees, are most susceptible when young
A fast growing tree, it takes 8 10 years from seed to reach sexual maturity A dioecious species; both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required
Bush food: Pulpy fruits have a grape like texture and sweetish, mild pine flavour that is enhanced by cooking Illawarra Plum was considered one of the best bush foods by both Aboriginals and early settlers
Fruit ripen between March and July, and may be eaten raw ormade into a jam or jelly They re often used as a compliment for chilli, garlic, sauces and marinades, preserves, muffins, cheesecakes and fruit compotes
Fruits may be picked from the tree, but will also fall to the ground when ripe
Bush medicine: The unripe fruit of these trees was eaten to combat gastric complaints
Germination: The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil, Germination usually takes around 4 weeks When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out
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