Kakadu plum

The Northern Territory’s very own superfood, Kakadu plums are packed with 50 times more vitamin C than oranges.

Kakadu plum trees are common in open tropical woodlands and can be seen from most walking tracks in the park. They are easily recognised by their egg-shaped fruit, large round leaves and spikes of cream-coloured flowers.

One of Kakadu’s few deciduous species, these trees lose their leaves during the dry season. The branches stay bare until they flower in Kurrung (August – October), while the tasty fruits appear towards the end of the tropical summer (March – May).

Culture

Kakadu plums are an important food source for Bininj/Mungguy. The ripe plums are usually eaten raw, although they can also be made into jam.

Bininj/Mungguy use the inner bark of the tree to treat sores and mosquito bites. The red sap can be made into a decorative stain for timber tools.

Commercially grown Kakadu plums are now used to make a range of modern hair, skin and food products.

Common names

• Common names: billygoat plum, green plum