Fork-spined carissa
Carissa bispinosa

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

Normally a shrub. It can be partly a climber. It grows 3 m tall. It is evergreen, and spiny. The spines can have one or two forks. The leaves vary but are often egg shaped. They are 1-7 cm long by 0.8-3.5 cm wide. The tip has a small thorn-like point. Leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are small and white. They have long tubes which flare out. They have a scent. They occur in clusters at the ends of twigs. The fruit are berries which are 1.6 cm long. They are purple-red. They contain 1-2 seeds. The fruit are bright red and edible.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs at medium to low altitude in dry woodland and coastal scrub. It is also at the edges of evergreen forest. It is damaged by drought and frost. In Malawi the variety grows from 1,250-2,150 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, Cuba, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for drinks, as a flavouring and preservative.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. It can be grown as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Amatungula, Dithokolo, Hedge Thorn, Isibetankunzi, Isincum'ncum', Lucondvo, Mfumba, Mfumbeli, Morokolo, Mulu, Murabamungu, Murayangombe, Murungulu, Mutogwe, Natal Plum, Noem noem, Num-num, Olyamliyak, Red numnum, Serokolo, Simboka, Umbethankunzi, Umbethamtunzu, Umvusankunzi, Voatsikopika, Y-thorned carissa, Yum-yum

Synonyms

Arduina bispinosa L.; Carissa arduina Lam.; Carissa myrtoides Desf.; Carissa cordata (Millo.) Fourc.; Carissa dinteri Markgf.; Jasminonerium bispinosum (L.) Kuntze; and several others