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Carissa macrocarpa

natal plum

Apocynaceae Coastal southern Africa

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Carissa macrocarpa, Natal plum, is a dense evergreen shrub from coastal southern Africa that grows 3–7 feet (0.9–2.1 m) tall and slightly wider, with stiff branches armed with forked spines up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. The glossy oval leaves are leathery and dark green, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, and all green parts exude a white latex when cut. White star-shaped flowers 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across open over much of the warm season and carry a jasmine-like scent that strengthens in the evening. The flowers are followed by oval red fruit 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, which is edible when fully ripe and is used in jams and sauces, while the unripe fruit and the rest of the plant contain the toxic latex. The shrub tolerates salt spray, wind, and drought once established, which suits it to coastal and roadside sites. Its dense, thorny growth forms an impenetrable mass that is often clipped into hedges and barriers. Frost damages the foliage, limiting it to frost-free and near-frost-free climates.

Native Range

Carissa macrocarpa is native to the coastal regions of southern Africa, particularly the eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa, where it grows in coastal dune scrub and bush. It has been planted widely in warm climates and naturalizes in some coastal areas.

Suggested Uses

Used as a clipped hedge, thorny barrier, foundation shrub, and salt-tolerant screen in warm coastal gardens. It also grows in large containers and as a low espalier, though its spines and frost sensitivity limit where it is placed.

How to Identify

Recognized by glossy dark-green leathery leaves, forked spines along the stems, and white five-petaled flowers about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across. Cut stems and leaves release a white latex. The oval red fruit and the branched thorns separate it from similar evergreen hedge shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 7'

Width/Spread4' - 7'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers open over much of the warm season, with the heaviest bloom in spring and summer and scattered flowers year-round in frost-free areas. The fragrant white flowers often appear at the same time as ripening red fruit. Bloom slows during cool weather.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years to flowering size

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil at a pH of about 6.0–7.5. Water needs are low once established, and the shrub tolerates salt, wind, and drought. It is hardy only in zones 9–11, and frost burns the foliage and stem tips. Bright light produces dense growth and heavy fruiting, while shade thins the canopy. It responds to shearing and can be held at a chosen height as a hedge.

Pruning

Shear or clip at any time during the warm season to shape hedges and control size. The forked spines can puncture skin during heavier cutting. Light tip pruning keeps growth dense without removing the developing fruit.