Family: Apocynaceae
Author: (Eckl.) A.DC.
Bibliography: A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 336 (1844)
Year: 1844
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carissa
Vegetable: False
Observations: Kenya to SE. Cape Prov.
Description
The Natal plum, scientifically known as Carissa macrocarpa, is a fascinating and versatile plant native to the coastal regions from Kenya to Southeast Cape Province. First described by the renowned botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in his seminal work Prodromus (1844), the Natal plum has long captured the attention of horticulturists and gardeners alike. The plant’s attribution to Ecklon and later classification by A.DC. underscores its importance and the continuing interest in its study.
Belonging to the Apocynaceae family, the Natal plum is noted for its attractive, glossy green leaves and striking, star-shaped, white flowers, which give off a delightful fragrance. These flowers eventually give way to small, round, red fruits that are both edible and highly decorative. The fruit is often likened to a cranberry in taste and texture, making it a unique addition to culinary uses, particularly in jellies and preserves.
The plant’s robust nature allows it to thrive in a variety of environments, from coastal dunes to inland gardens. It’s particularly valued for its ability to tolerate both drought and saline conditions, making it an excellent choice for landscapes in challenging climates. Furthermore, the Natal plum serves as an effective hedge or barrier due to its dense, thorny growth habit, providing both aesthetic enhancement and functional security.
In horticulture, the Natal plum is praised for its low-maintenance needs and its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, further highlighting its ecological value. Whether grown for its ornamental appeal, its edible fruits, or its resilience and adaptability, Carissa macrocarpa remains a beloved plant among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Common Names
Eng: natal plum, natal-plum, amathungulu, amatungulu
Deu: natal-pflaume
Spa: amatúngula, cereza de natal
Por: ameixa-de-natal, carissa, laranjinha
Fra: carisse
Swe: natalplommon
En: Natal plum, Natal-plum, Amathungulu, Amatungulu
Fr: Carisse
De: Natal-Pflaume
Pt: Ameixa-de-natal, Carissa, Laranjinha
Es: Amatúngula, Cereza de Natal
Sv: Natalplommon
Synonyms
- Jasminonerium grandiflorum ((E.Mey.) Kuntze)
- Arduina grandiflora (E.Mey.)
- Jasminonerium africanum ((A.DC.) Kuntze)
- Carissa africana (A.DC.)
- Jasminonerium macrocarpum ((Eckl.) Kuntze)
- Arduina macrocarpa (Eckl.)
- Carissa grandiflora ((E.Mey.) A.DC.)
- Carissa praetermissa (Kupicha)
Distribution
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Arizona (introduced)
- Ascension (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 21, 2019 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2019 by la Mouk Joe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2021 by prieto javier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Dallas Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2019 by jean-poerre (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Pradilla Bascuas Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2022 by juan pedro perez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Ka Barbara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Antonio Muñoz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Hugo Degroote (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Renée de Jong (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Ka Barbara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2021 by Mark (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Dallas Brown (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Peláez Navarrete Miguel Ángel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Daniel Sánchez (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2021 by gioacchino trapani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 28, 2019 by Vic Loren (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by didier riviere (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2020 by dabarle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2018 by Brendan Corner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Marchitelli Giovanni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Urs Brändle (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77727-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414420)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC.)
