A Broome Aboriginal organisation has officially opened what will be the biggest native fruit orchard in Western Australia, to grow the Kakadu plum.
The small plums have long been a traditional medicine, having 100 times more vitamin C than oranges as well as antioxidants.
Eight weeks ago — after six years of planning — the first paddock of 891 gubinge trees, fully irrigated and on a liquid fertiliser regime, were planted, Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) CEO and Yawuru traditional owner Neil Gower told www.abc.net.au
"This is a culmination of trials and tribulations in trying to work out the best way to grow the gubinge," Mr Gower said.
He said that, within four years, each tree should produce 5 kilograms of plums.
"This first hectare would generate $156,000, so when we plant 30 hectares, there's a farm gate value of $5.2 million of whole fruit."
Bush fruit worth the effort.
