Culture and science strengthen future of Smooth Davidson’s Plum
A first-of-its-kind planting of the Smooth Davidson’s Plum near Billinudgel on Bundjalung Country brought science and culture together to support the long term survival of this endangered species in northern New South Wales.
The genetically informed translocation marks a major milestone for the rare rainforest tree, which faces significant challenges across its fragmented range in parts of northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland.
Although it produces fruit, the tree rarely sets fertile seed and instead reproduces mostly from root suckers, which limits diversity within local populations and reduces the species’ capacity to adapt to environmental pressures.
The project, led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Saving our Species program, is the first genetically informed translocation for the species, and brings together plants propagated from cuttings collected across the tree’s range.
By planting these previously isolated genetic lines side by side, the project aims to encourage cross pollination and strengthen the long term resilience of the species.
Caring for Country and threatened species are closely connected, and the project has worked in partnership with Bundjalung Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Rangers, who have provided guidance on the cultural values and knowledge that underpin the project.
The planting is supported by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Fund, and genomic analysis by Botanic Gardens of Sydney has informed which plants were selected and where they were placed.
Participants include representatives from Jagun Alliance, Madhima Gulgan Indigenous Rangers, the Jali Ranger Team, Indigenous Conservation and Land Management TAFE students, and Bushland Restoration Services.
Alongside the planting, a Cultural yarning session on Country forms part of the project, where community representatives will share knowledge about the cultural significance of the Smooth Davidson’s Plum.
DCCEEW Senior Threatened Species Officer Dianne Brown said:
"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.
"This is a species that is struggling due to fragmented populations and low genetic diversity, so this planting represents a major step forward.
"By combining science with strong cultural guidance, we are creating a more resilient path for the species and strengthening connections to Country.”
Representative from the Durungbal Aboriginal community in the Bundjalung Nation Shane Ivey said:
"This project shows how Traditional knowledge and science can work together to care for Country in a meaningful way.
"Knowledge shared through yarning and working on Country is essential to the long term health of all plants and animals.
"Supporting this project strengthens Country for future generations and recognises the cultural connections that can guide best-practice in conservation work."
