Carissa grandiflora (E. Mey.) A. DC.
|
Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. Natal plum, amatungulu
The Natal plum is a native of Africa, where it is found along the coast, from the southern tip of South Africa, along its eastern coast up through Mozambique. Identification: These plants usually form dense, thorny shrubs, growing on sandy soil, but can produce small trees up to 13′ (4 m) high. Leaves are broad-ovate, tough, glossy, and leathery, shiny and dark on the top, but paler below, ¾-2″ (2-6 cm) x ½-1¼″ (1.5-3.5 cm), ending in a thorn-like point. Y-shaped thorns up to 1¾″ (5 cm) long are also present. Broken branches exude a non-toxic thick, milky latex. Flowers are white, 5-lobed, and tubular, up to 2″ (5 cm) around, and fragrant. Fruits are round or oval-shaped, up to 2½″ (6.3 cm) x 1½″ (3.8 cm), a bright lighter shade of red at first, darkening with age. Edibility: Fruits are tasty raw or as jams and jellies. Online References:
Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Plants Products Carissa macrocarpa description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
Bonsai. · 12/12/2016 · Bonsai West, Littleton, Massachusetts Range:
|
