Natal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa (ka-RIS-uh ma-kro-KAR-pa)
Natal plum is an easy-to-grow, spiny, evergreen, perennial shrub with dense, leathery, green leaves, fragrant, white flowers and showy, edible, red fruits. It is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) native to tropical East Africa. It has naturalized in Florida, Texas, and parts of Asia. The species epithet, macrocarpa , means large fruit. Natal plum will do well in full sun or light shade and organic soil in a warm, moist, tropical environment. It is easy to grow and can be sheared or hedged to fit the environment. It is a tropical plant that thrives in USDA zones 9 and 10. It is tolerant of salt spray. Fragrant flowers bloom throughout the year, followed by plum-like fruits that ripen to a reddish-purple hue. It is typically small, at 5 to 7 feet tall, but can reach a height of 30 feet. Because of its spine-tipped leave and its stout, one- or -two-pronged, spines up to 1 inch long, it can be used as a hedge, security screen or foundation planting where it is hardy. It can also be grown in a container that is brought indoors in the winter. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or pests.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.