Ceylon damson, Sri Lankan damson
Carissa carandas

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A large shrub. It grows 5 m tall. It has stout spines in pairs. They are 5 cm long. The leaves are oblong with distinct veins. They are 3-7 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. There are usually 3 flowers at the ends of the branches. The flowers have a scent. The fruit are red to purple berries. They are oval and 1.5-2.5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.

Now an accepted name. There has been confusion with Carissa congesta (Now Carissa spinarum)

Where it is found

It is a temperate or subtropical plant. It suits drier areas. It grows in lowland rainforest between 300-1,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Afghanistan, Andamans, Bangladesh, Brazil, Caribbean, China, Colombia, Cuba, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, North America, Northeastern India, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

Ripe fruit are eaten raw and unripe fruit are also used for pickles. Ripe fruit are used for juices, salads and jams. The fruit are eaten with salt.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or by cuttings.

In China plants flower from March to June and fruit from July to December. A tree can produce 10 kg of fruit.

Its other names

Local names

Ankukoli, Buah karanda, Buah samarinda, Caranda, Chutro, Ci huang guo, Garna, Kakronda, Kala, Kalakkay, Kallakai, Kalmi, Karamcha, Karanda, Karaudi, Karaunda, Karenja, Karonda, Karounda, Karunda, Karvand, Kaule kayi, Khan, Kilakkay, Koramcha, Mahakaramba, Malaysian karanda, Perungala

Synonyms

Arduina carandas (L) K. Schumann; Damna-canthus esquirolii H. Leveille; and others