Natal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa
Big Num-Num, Groot Noemnoem (Afr.), Amatungulu
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The Natal Plum is a dense thorny evergreen shrub to small tree. The oval, pink or red fruit is edible and rich in Vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorous and follows pretty fragrant white starry flowers. It may also, in addition to its sweet fruit and sweetly scented flowers, double as a neat security hedge. It is easy to grow in coastal regions and an option for xeriscaping and windy areas.
ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape.
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Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer, Autumn, Spring
Fruiting time
Summer, Autumn, Spring
Harvesting
Harvest the fruits once mature and good color has developed. This occurs roughly two years after it was planted. Be delicate when picking the fruits as they bruise easily and use as fresh as possible.
Propagation
Seed
The seed is best sown fresh or in the spring. Keep moist until well-rooted.
Cuttings
Take 10-15cm cuttings in Spring or Autumn.
Special features
Attracts birds
The fruit is a food source for many birds and other animals too!
Attracts useful insects
Bees love to visit the flowers.
Drought resistant
Once established, the plant can withstand dry spells and wind.
Hedge plant
Effective evergreen hedge with thorns makes it an effective security fence. it is often clipped in a more formal form too!
Attractive flowers
White fragrant star-shaped flowers with five petals.
Attractive leaves
Glossy green leaves.
Attractive fruits
The fruit is a glossy pinkish red colour. It is edible and is highly nutritional.
Attracts butterflies
Wind break
Attracts bees
Special features
Origin
Southern Africa, South Africa and Mozambique
Natural climate
Subtropical Coastal
Environment
Light
Full Sun, Full Shade, Partial Shade, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Neutral, Acid
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Edible
The fruit is wonderful fresh or made into a preserve.
Personality
Family
Apocynaceae
Flower colour
White
Scent
Strong
Problems
Diseases include bacterial, fungal and viral infections, but usually plants are problem-free.
Related Problems
Credits
Carissa macrocarpa
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by Berenice Carolus, Harold Porter NBG, March 2004. With additions by Yvonne Reynolds (Copyright South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa)
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Knowledge and advice
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