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Apocynaceae
Natal Plum Flower
Carissa macrocarpa
Protection and sweetness.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Carissa
- Native to
- South Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 6-15 feet
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- well-drained, sandy
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 9-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The star-shaped white flowers produce a jasmine-like fragrance that is especially strong at night.
- While the ripe red fruits are delicious and edible, all other parts of the plant contain toxic latex.
- The sharp, forked thorns make natal plum an excellent security hedge that is nearly impenetrable.
- The fruit tastes like a mix of cranberry and strawberry and is rich in vitamin C.
- Natal plum is exceptionally salt-tolerant and is widely used in coastal landscaping in tropical regions.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
hidden sweetness
2
defense