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Natal plum

How to identify Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa)

Natal plum, also known as Amatungulu

Natal plum is a robust evergreen shrub characterized by its spiny architecture, bearing stiff forked spines about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) long. Its foliage consists of glossy, leathery green leaves that contribute to its dense appearance. Delicate, fragrant white flowers emerge, contrasting with the dark green foliage. Following flowering, this shrub produces distinctive large, edible red fruits. Though typically it reaches 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) in height, natal plum is capable of growing up to 30 feet (9 meters) under optimal conditions.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Natal plum

1

Smooth, simple, and opposite leaves with waxy surface; tips bear single thorn.

2

Star-shaped white flowers with five distinct lobes, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) across.

3

Oval-shaped fruit, 0.6 - 2 inches (1.5 - 5 cm) long, transitioning from green to red to dark crimson.

4

Smooth, greenish stems with longitudinal ridges and double-pronged thorns less than 5 cm (2 inches).

5

Robust shrub with forked spines about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) long, capable of growing up to 30 feet (9 meters).

Natal plumNatal plumNatal plumNatal plumNatal plum

Detailed Traits of Natal plum

Leaf Features

The leaves of natal plum are smooth, simple, and opposite, measuring about 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2 to 4 cm) long and 0.6 to 1.2 inches (1.5 to 3 cm) wide. They are elliptic to broadly ovate in shape, and the surface is waxy. The upper surface is often dark grey to brown, while the lower surface is pale green to brown. The leaf tips commonly feature a single thorn, providing a distinctive characteristic for identification.

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Flower Features

Natal plum produces elegant, star-shaped flowers with five distinct, white lobes. Each tubular flower is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) across. Known for their delightful jasmine-like fragrance, these flowers bloom throughout the year, adding a sweet aroma to the surrounding environment. The consistent blooming period, combined with their pristine white color and unique petal arrangement, makes natal plum's flowers easily identifiable for plant enthusiasts.

Natal plum Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Cymes

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Stem Features

The stem of natal plum features smooth, greenish young stems that are strongly wrinkled into longitudinal ridges and channels. Older twigs display a similar appearance but may be greenish or brownish with an often glossy surface. Notable are the stout, double-pronged thorns which measure less than 5 cm (2 inches), emerging prominently on the branches. These characteristics are critical for identifying natal plum's stem.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of natal plum is an oval-shaped berry, approximately 0.6 - 2 inches (1.5 - 5 cm) in length, resembling small plums. It features a thin, fleshy skin that is initially green, indicating immaturity and a high latex content. As it ripens, the fruit transitions to a vibrant red and eventually a dark crimson shade. The fruit's interior is tender and juicy with a milky sap. When ripe, it becomes edible and houses a multitude of small brown seeds, usually between 3 and 10 per fruit.

Natal plum Fruit image
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Key Facts About Natal plum

Attributes of Natal plum
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
1.8 m to 4.5 m
Spread
90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Red
Green
Purple
Burgundy
Lavender
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Natal plum
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Scientific Classification of Natal plum

Family
Dogbane
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Species
Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa)
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Distribution Map of Natal plum

Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) can be seen growing wild in coastal rainforests over its native spread across central and southern Africa. This species has been introduced to China, parts of Central America and the Caribbean and also to several southern US states. This plant is not classed as an invasive species.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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