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Natal Plum

Carissa Macrocarpa

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Overview

Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub, prized for its glossy foliage and star-shaped white blossoms that exude a sweet fragrance. It features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to 7 feet tall with a similar spread. Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting. USDA zones 9-11. Maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Type ShrubClimate Mediterranean
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — glossy foliage is a rich green color

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Apocynaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (134)

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — white flowers in the garden; which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer, image 85
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — providing a lush backdrop for its star-shaped; frequently utilized in culinary applications such as jams and, image 69
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it low-maintenance and a resilient option for busy gardeners; provided they are well-drained, image 111
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — frequently utilized in culinary applications such as jams and jellies; drought-tolerant once established, image 103
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — deep red plum-like fruits; this compelling addition to any landscape typically reaches a height and spread of 3, image 101
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — white flowers in the garden; which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — This compelling addition to any landscape typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 7 feet; making it, image 95
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — shrub with white blooms; it withstands a variety of soil types
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — The Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust evergreen shrub originating from South Africa, image 94
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to 7 feet tall with a similar spread; preferring full, image 90
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it an excellent choice for coastal regions
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — white flowers in the garden; which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer, image 114
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — preferring full sun to partial shade exposure; the Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust, image 76
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Drought-tolerant once established; maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth, image 109
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Drought-tolerant once established; maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth, image 80
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub; hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to, image 59
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Drought-tolerant once established
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It withstands a variety of soil types; deep red plum-like fruits, image 106
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — shrub with white blooms
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to 7 feet tall with a similar spread
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It can be utilized as an ornamental feature
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting; it features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to, image 92
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — but under optimal conditions can extend to a maximum of 10 feet; prized for its glossy foliage and star-shaped, image 67
Photographs by 7 contributors

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