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Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa

The Natal Plum is a small shrub with shiny green leaves and sweet, juicy fruits. It grows in warm places and is loved by birds and butterflies!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Natal Plum has glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. Its most striking feature is its bright red, plum-like fruits and sharp, Y-shaped thorns, making it visually distinct from many common shrubs.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusCarissa
Natal Plum
ornamental trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Natal Plum

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its juicy red fruits taste like a mix of strawberries and cranberries – super yummy!

Some birds bravely build their nests among its sharp thorns, safe from predators!

The beautiful white flowers release a sweet, gardenia-like scent, especially at night.

This plant grows tough, thorny hedges that protect gardens from unwanted visitors.

Special abilities

Ability

Thorny Protector

Natal Plum has sharp, Y-shaped thorns that deter hungry animals from nibbling its leaves and stems.

Ability

Fruity Attraction

Natal Plum produces bright red, delicious fruits that attract birds and other animals to help scatter its seeds.

Ability

Drought Survivor

Natal Plum can survive long dry spells thanks to its leathery leaves and efficient water storage, thriving in arid conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
200-500 cm
Spread
200-500 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Year-round (warm climates)
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees visit its sweet-smelling flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Cape Bulbul

Pycnonotus capensis

This bird enjoys the ripe red fruits, helping to spread Natal Plum seeds.

shelters

Karoo Prinia

Prinia maculosa

Its thorny branches provide a safe, spiky refuge for nesting birds.

Traits

Also known as

CarissaNatal Plum Tree

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or eating any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Natal Plum?

200-500 cm

How wide does Natal Plum spread?

200-500 cm

How big are the flowers on Natal Plum?

3-5 cm

When does Natal Plum bloom?

Year-round (warm climates)

Is Natal Plum edible?

Yes

Is Natal Plum toxic?

Mild

What is Natal Plum's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Natal Plum pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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