Carissa boiviniana

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-8 m tall. It can have several stems. They contain a milky liquid. They can have spines. The leaves are simple and oval or pear shaped. They are 4-12 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are leathery or waxy and shiny. They have a rounded base and sharp tip. The leaves are arranged oppositely. The flowers are small and white or pink. They have a scent. They are clustered in small groups. The fruit are rounded fleshy berries. They have 2 parts and 1-4 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in humid or dry scrubland and forests. It grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Madagascar

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carissa sessiliflora var. septentrionalis Pichon; Leioclusia boiviniana Baill.;