Currant bush, Carissa, Kunkerberry
Carissa ovata

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. The stems have spines along them. The leaves are opposite and oval. They can be blunt or pointed. The leaves are leathery and held stiffly. The leaves are shiny green and 1-3 cm long by 0.5-1.5 cm across. The flowers are white and have a sweet smell. They have 5 petals and are 0.6 cm across. They occur in upright clusters in the axils of upper leaves. The fruit is a berry which is oval and black. It is 1-1.5 cm long.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow in coastal or inland areas. It does best in a shady position. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 900 m altitude. It will grow in most soils. It is resistant to drought but sensitive to frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The flesh is removed from the seeds before planting.

It is slow growing but lives a long time.

Its other names

Local names

Karey, Ulorin

Synonyms

Carissa brownii var. ovata (R. Br.) Maiden & Betche; Carissa ovata var. stolonifera F. M. Bailey; Jasminonerium ovatum (R. Br.) Kuntze;