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CARISSA macrocarpa

Image of Carissa macrocarpa

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Apocynaceae

Botanical Name

CARISSA macrocarpa

Plant Common Name

Carissa, Natal Plum

General Description

Natal plum is an attractive, spiny shrub native to South Africa. This tropical, evergreen plant has thick, leathery leaves which are oval to roundish, often with a spine at the tip. There are also many sharp, Y-shaped thorns on the stems and branches. The leaves are glossy; bright dark green on the upper surface, paler below and opposite on the stem. Milky, latex sap is exuded when the plant is cut or broken. The star-shaped, tubular, white flowers are borne singly or in small clusters at the branch tips throughout the year. Sweetly fragrant flowers attract beetles, hawk-moths and other night-flyers. The fruit is a red, crimson or magenta berry which attracts birds and other wildlife. There are many cultivars, the standard varieties medium to tall growing, the dwarf ones are used as ground cover and hedges.

Plant Natal plum in full sun, it will tolerate some shade but flowering and fruiting may be reduced in the shade. Natal plum prefers well-drained, sandy, neutral soil. It is moderately drought tolerant and very salt tolerant, both salt spray and in the soil. Natal plum is frost tender. Prune lightly as needed, Natal plum is slow growing and does not recover well from harsh pruning. Use Natal plum as a deterrent to intruders under windows and as barriers. It is also lovely in seaside gardens, containers and beds.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 9

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H2, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m

  • Width

    2'-10' / 0.6m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southern Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Purple, Hot Pink, Magenta

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Green, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Edible, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No