Carissa, Natal plum, Boxwood beauty
Carissa grandiflora

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A large shrub. It grows up to 5 m tall. It is thorny. The leaves are dark green, shiny and very thick. Leaves are on thick branches with sharp branched thorns. The flowers are white and fragrant. They are 4-5 cm across. Fruit are 5 cm long, oval and red. The fruit have thin skin and red flesh. There are several round white seeds inside.

There about 20-37 Carissa species. All Carissa species bear edible fruit. They grow in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It can tolerate salt spray. It is resistant to wind damage. It can grow on most soil types. It needs good drainage and plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate cold weather. It is damaged by frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Hawaii, India, Indochina, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or used in salads, sauces and for juice. They are also used in pies and preserves.

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can easily be grown from seed. Seedlings may produce kinds with poorer fruit. Cuttings are also commonly used to maintain preferred kinds. Air layering can also be used. Plants can be 2 m apart of 1 m apart if used as a hedge.

It is a slow growing shrub. Trees produce in 5 years.

Its other names

Local names

Amatungula, Hiip-mai-ngaam

Synonyms

See Carissa macrocarpa;