This dense upright bushy shrub has slender branches that are armed with forked spines and has glossy dark green oval leaves. It has fragrant star-shaped white flowers appear in a cluster during summer and are followed by edible red fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Carissa macrocarpais naturally found in South Africa growing on the margins of forests along the coast. It grows in an open sunny to semi shaded position in most well drained moderately fertile soils and is drought, salt spray and cold weather tolerant but is frost tender.

The Natal Plum is grown for its bushy habit, fragrant flowers and fruit. It is planted along the garden borders for screening and can be trim to form a hedge. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is moderately long lived.

The shrub is also grown in commercial sites as a pedestrian barrier or used in front-line coastal gardens, tolerating salt spray and wind. It is also used in public places and such as parking lot islands as a barrier plant and is ideal for seaside plantings and is commonly used as a bonsai subject. ID 3268

Note:
The edible plum-shaped fruit has a cranberry taste and is used in jams, jellies or eaten fresh.

Carissa(kar-ISS-uh) macrocarpa(ma-kro-KAR-pa)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)