Natal Plum

(Carissa macrocarpa)

Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carissa macrocarpa, commonly known as Natal Plum, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal regions in Kenya to Southeastern South Africa, particularly the coastal bush of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-3 feet and a width of 3-6 feet. Natal Plum is well-adapted to sandy soils and is often found in dune scrub and coastal thickets where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. The plant features glossy, deep green leaves and spiny branches that contain a milky latex. Its snowy white, star-shaped flowers are fragrant, especially at night, and bloom for several months. The ornamental, edible fruit is plump, round, and crimson, appearing in summer and fall, and in moderate coastal areas, it may be present throughout the year.

Natal Plum is valued for its drought and salt tolerance, making it an excellent choice for coastal plantings and seaside gardens. It is also used as a hedge, barrier planting, or ornamental specimen due to its dense growth habit and attractive flowers and fruit. The fruit is not only decorative but also edible, commonly used in pies, jams, jellies, and sauces. Natal Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring well-drained soil and moderate watering. It is low maintenance, rarely needing fertilizer, and is generally pest-resistant. However, it can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 0.5-3 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Border Plant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal regions in Kenya to Southeastern South Africa, particularly in dune scrub and coastal thickets

Other Names

Common Names: Natal-Plum, Large Num-Num, Natal-Pflaume, Amatúngula, Cereza De Natal, Carisse, Natalplommon

Scientific Names: , Carissa macrocarpa, Carissa grandiflora, Carissa carandas, Carissa praetermissa, Arduina macrocarpa, Arduina grandiflora, Carissa africana, Jasminonerium africanum, Jasminonerium grandiflorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC.