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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 9–10Climate Mediterranean
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Apocynaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (114)

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer; it requires moderate watering, image 99
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — with some scattered flowering throughout the year.<br><br>These blooms give rise to edible; natal Plum (Carissa, image 100
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 96
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — glossy foliage is a rich green color; but under optimal conditions can extend to a maximum of 10 feet, image 97
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — which are not only visually appealing but also offer a sweet taste, image 102
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) — frequently utilized in culinary applications such as jams and jellies; drought-tolerant once established, image 103
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It withstands a variety of soil types; deep red plum-like fruits, image 106
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Be cautious when handling; shrub for full or half, image 104
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — preferring full sun to partial shade exposure; the Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust, image 105
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — provided they are well-drained; making it an excellent choice for coastal regions, image 107
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it an excellent choice for coastal regions; shrub with white blooms, image 108
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) — it requires moderate watering; with some scattered flowering throughout the year.<br><br>These blooms give rise, image 110
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Drought-tolerant once established; maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth, image 109
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — serving multiple functions with ease and aesthetic appeal; note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting, image 113
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It can be utilized as an ornamental feature; white flowers in the garden, image 112
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — white flowers in the garden; which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer, image 114

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