Carissa macrocarpa
Natal Plum
Description
The Natal Plum is a shrub that quickly reaches 2'-7' tall and 10' wide. Stems have thorns. The plant produces a milky sap that may cause allergenic reactions for some folks. Leaves are leathery, glossy and dark green. White, fragrant star shaped flowers bloom in spring, followed by egg shaped fruit that turns red when ripe. Fruit tastes like cranberries! This shrub takes little water once it's established and tolerates heat. It's great for barrier hedges.
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Allergenic, Thorns/Spines
Fix leaking sprinklers, valves, and pipes.
One broken spray sprinkler can waste 10 gallons per minute - or 100 gallons in a typical 10 minute watering cycle.