General Description:

Cenarrhenes is a monotypic genus (i.e. consisting of a single species), Cenarrhenes nitida.  It is a tree to about 10 metres in rainforest but may be much smaller (about 2 m) in more open situations.  The Leaves are of an elongated oval shape up to 10 cm long.  They are bright green with lightly toothed margins and are said to have an unpleasant ‘stale cabbage’ smell when crushed.  The small white flowers occur in late spring into summer and are clustered on elongated stalks. Following flowering, fleshy drupes are formed which are 2-3 cm in diameter, purple in colour and resemble commercial plums, giving rise to the plant’s common name.

Although not widely cultivated, Native Plum is occasionally grown, favouring well drained soils in a sunny or lightly shaded position. It will tolerate dry conditions once established but should have regular watering during extended dry conditions.

Propagation is best from seed which does not require pre-treatment but germination may be slow. Propagation from cuttings is reported to be difficult.