Black plum
Pouteria sericea

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 3-10 m high and spreads 3-5 m wide. The leaves are often crowded. They are oval and 5-14 cm long by 3-6.5 cm wide. The are dull green and smooth on the upper surface. They are paler and with soft hairs underneath. The flowers are small and cream. They are like narrow tubes. They are 0.7 cm long. They occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is smooth and oval. It is fleshy and about 1.5-2 cm long by 1.3 cm wide. They are shiny purple-black when ripe. They have 1-2 seeds. These have a speckled appearance.

There are about 150-320 Pouteria species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows naturally in coastal monsoon forest. It is often on stabilised dunes near the beach. It can tolerate salt spray. It also grows near streams. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 850 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is eaten.

The fruit are enjoyed.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Andangnud, Birayngu, Mangarr, Mongo, MurinNaalij, Nangi, Wongay, Wungapu

Synonyms

Lucuma sericea Benth.; Planchonella sericea; Sersalisia sericea R. Br.;