A first-of-its-kind planting near Billinudgel is bringing science and culture together to help secure the future of the endangered Smooth Davidson’s Plum in northern New South Wales.
The project marks a major milestone for the rare rainforest tree, which faces significant challenges across its fragmented range in northeast NSW and southeast Queensland.
Unlike many species, the Smooth Davidson’s Plum rarely produces fertile seed and instead reproduces mostly from root suckers, limiting genetic diversity and reducing its ability to adapt to environmental pressures.
Led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Saving our Species program, the initiative is the first genetically informed translocation for the species. It brings together plants grown from cuttings collected across different populations and plants them side by side to encourage cross-pollination.
The project has been delivered in partnership with Bundjalung Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Rangers, combining scientific research with cultural knowledge to guide conservation efforts.
The planting has been supported by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Fund, with genomic analysis from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney informing which plants were selected and where they were placed.
Participants in the project include 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 is helping share knowledge about the significance of the Smooth Davidson’s Plum and strengthen connections between community and conservation.
DCCEEW Senior Threatened Species Officer Dianne Brown said the project represents a critical step forward.
“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.”
Durungbal Aboriginal community representative Shane Ivey said the project highlights the importance of working together.
“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.”
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