Endangered Davidson's plum planted near Billinudgel to rebuild genetic diversity

RARE rainforest trees have been planted near Billinudgel in a bid to strengthen the future of the endangered smooth Davidson’s plum.

The planting, carried out on Bundjalung Country on March 27, brings together plants grown from cuttings collected across the species’ range.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) senior threatened species officer Dianne Brown said combining plants from different populations could improve the species’ ability to adapt.

“Bringing these plants from different populations together gives the smooth Davidson’s plum the best chance to thrive and be more able to adapt to future conditions,” Brown said.

The endangered Davidson’s plum, a rare rainforest species found in fragmented pockets of northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. Photo: Supplied.

Found in fragmented pockets of northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland, the species rarely produces fertile seed and instead spreads through root suckers.

This limits genetic diversity and leaves the tree more exposed to environmental change.

To address this, cuttings were collected from isolated populations and grown together to encourage cross-pollination between different genetic lines.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney analysis informed which plants were selected and where they were placed.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers provided cultural guidance throughout the project to ensure the work respected the values of the land.

Indigenous rangers and project partners plant Davidson’s plum cuttings near Billinudgel as part of efforts to improve the species’ genetic diversity. Photo: Supplied.

Durungbal Aboriginal community representative Shane Ivey said the project showed how cultural knowledge and science could work together.

“Supporting this project strengthens Country for future generations and recognises the cultural connections that can guide best-practice in conservation work,” Ivey said.

The project was supported by the Australian government’s Saving Native Species Fund.

Participants included the Jagun Alliance, Madhima Gulgan Indigenous Rangers, the Jali Ranger Team, bushland restoration specialists, and students from the Indigenous Conservation and Land Management TAFE course.