Illawarra Plum and Other Native Podocarpus Fruits

About the Illawarra PlumPodocarpus elatus is a slow-growing rainforest tree native to subtropical and temperate coastal areas of NSW and southeastern Queensland. In suitable conditions it eventually becomes a large tree to 30m, but responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a large shrub. The "plum" is technically a seed with a fleshy, enlarged receptacle — deep purple-black, sweet, and slightly resinous in flavour. It was an important food source for Aboriginal peoples of the coastal r…