Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Natal orange
Also known as: Monkey ball, Monkey orange
Strychnos spinosa, the Natal orange, is a tree indigenous to tropical and subtropical Africa. It produces, sweet-sour, yellow fruits, containing numerous hard brown seeds. Greenish-white flowers grow in dense heads at the ends of branches (Sep-Feb/Spring - summer). The fruits tend to appear only after good rains. It is related to the deadly Strychnos nux-vomica, which contains strychnine. The smooth, hard fruit are large and green, ripen to yellow colour. Inside the fruit are tightly packed seeds, which may be toxic, surrounded by a fleshy, brown, edible covering. Animals such as baboon, monkeys, bushpig, nyala and eland eat the fruit. The leaves are a popular food source for browsers such as duiker, kudu, impala, steenbok, nyala and elephant.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub
Plant Type
1 m to 9 m
Plant Height
3 m to 5 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Natal orange

Distribution of Natal orange

Distribution Map
Natal orange is a plant with a natural range that spans across different parts of the African continent, primarily within sub-Saharan regions and towards the southeastern areas. It flourishes in diverse ecosystems across this broad geographical expanse, from coastal belts to savannas and woodlands. While traditionally not cultivated, natal orange has established its presence in a variety of African biomes, proving its adaptability without deliberate human propagation.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Bushveld, riverine fringes, sand forest, coastal bush
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Care Guide for Natal orange

Every 2-3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Natal orange, native to arid African regions, demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and requires watering every 2-3 weeks. Thriving in savannas, it efficiently stores water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens where irrigation is limited.
Pruning: Natal orange requires selective pruning in early to late winter during dormancy to shape the plant and remove dead branches. Light trimming maintains its natural form, while thinning congested areas improves airflow and reduces disease risk, enhancing fruit production and aesthetic appeal.
Propagation: Propagation of natal orange requires clean cuttings and potentially rooting hormones for success. Place cuttings in well-draining soil, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and provide a warm, humid environment with partial shade. Regular monitoring for rot and pests is essential for healthy growth.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Natal orange
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app