Carissa macrocarpa
Carissa macrocarpa
The Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.D.C., 1844) is a shrubby species belonging to the Apocynaceae family.
Systematics –
Domain Eukaryota,
Kingdom Plantae,
Division Magnoliophyta,
Class Magnoliopsida,
Subclass Asteridae,
Order Gentianales,
Family Apocynaceae,
Genus Carissa,
Species C. macrocarpa.
The following terms are synonymous:
– Arduina grandiflora E.Mey.;
– Arduina macrocarpa Eckl.;
– Carissa africana A.DC.;
– Carissa carandas Lour.;
– Carissa grandiflora (E.Mey.) A.DC.;
– Carissa praetermissa Kupicha;
– Jasminonerium africanum (A.DC.) Kuntze;
– Jasminonerium grandiflorum (E.Mey.) Kuntze;
– Jasminonerium macrocarpum (Eckl.) Kuntze.
Etymology –
The term Carissa is the Indian vernacular name for several species of the same genus.
The specific epithet macrocarpa is a combination of the Greek words “makrόs,” meaning large, and “karpόs,” meaning fruit, with an obvious reference to the size of the fruit.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
Carissa macrocarpa is a plant native to tropical and southern Africa (Kenya, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa).
Its habitat is coastal scrubland, on sand dunes.
Description –
Carissa macrocarpa is a compact evergreen shrub, up to 5-6 m tall, with strong, often forked thorns up to about 4 cm long.
The leaves are ovate, leathery, glossy dark green with a mucronate (pointed) tip, and 3 to 8 cm long.
The inflorescences are terminal and bear one to three scented white or pink flowers, up to about 5 cm in diameter.
The fruits are ovoid berries, up to about 5 cm long, purple in color, with edible pulp.
The seeds, about ten in the center of the fruit, are brown, small, thin, and circular.
Cultivation –
Carissa macrocarpa is an evergreen shrub or small tree of which numerous varieties are cultivated.
The plant is suitable for tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate climates, with the above-ground portion suffering damage even at temperatures a few degrees below 0°C, especially in young plants.
It is undemanding when it comes to soil, as long as it is well-drained. It is resistant to even short periods of drought, wind, and saltiness, making it recommended for use near the sea. Its optimal exposure is full sun, but it also adapts to partial shade.
Fruiting outside its native areas, where the flowers are generally pollinated by nocturnal insects, is usually poor; it can be increased through manual cross-pollination.
It is predominantly a subtropical plant, where it is found at low altitudes. It adapts to a variety of climatic conditions and a wide range of altitudes and latitudes.
It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are between 23 and 28°C, but can tolerate temperatures between 10 and 34°C.
Mature parts may be affected by temperatures of -5°C or lower, while younger parts may be affected by temperatures of -3°C.
It prefers an average annual rainfall of 800 to 1,200 mm, but tolerates temperatures between 600 and 1,800 mm. It also prefers fertile, moist soil in a sunny or slightly shaded location.
As mentioned, although it adapts well to various soil types, it prefers a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, tolerating values between 5 and 8. The plants tolerate windy locations and salt spray.
Plants begin to bear fruit approximately 4-5 years after seeding and approximately 2-3 years after vegetative propagation. They can also flower year-round.
With its dimorphic flowers, C. macrocarpa is functionally dioecious.
Propagation can occur by seed, cuttings, and layering.
Seeds should be sown when ripe.
Cuttings should be taken from lateral shoots with semi-ripe stems.
Uses and Traditions –
Carissa macrocarpa is a plant known by various common names depending on the location. Common names include: “carissa,” “Natal plum” (Italian); “Natal-plum” (English); “carisse,” “Natal plum” (French); “Natalpflaume,” “wachsbaum,” “großfrüchtiger” (German); “carisa,” “amatúngula,” “Natal cereza,” “Natal cherry” (Spanish).
This plant produces a fruit that is appreciated in many parts of the world. It is often grown in Africa and other tropical and subtropical areas, primarily as an ornamental plant and hedge, but sometimes also for its edible fruit.
The fruits are rich in vitamin C and have a tart flavor; they should be eaten when fully ripe or used to make jellies and jams.
Aside from the pulp of the ripe fruit, all other parts of the plant, including the seeds, according to some sources, contain potentially toxic substances.
The fruits are sold in local markets.
Other uses include agroforestry. The plant can be grown as a hedge; it is normally heavily pruned to form a dense, thorny barrier that can keep animals away.
Preparation Method –
Carissa macrocarpa is a plant whose fruits can be used edibly. The fruits are eaten raw, cooked, or made into jellies and jams.
They have a sweet-sour flavor and are sometimes astringent.
As mentioned, they can be made into jellies, syrups, pickles, pies, etc.
However, there are no known medicinal uses.
Guido Bissanti
Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (eds.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora of Italy, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Advice and Experiences with Medicinal Herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.
Photo source:
– https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/193704878/original.jpeg
– https://cch2.org/imglib/cch2/RSA_VascularPlants/RSA0618/RSA0618130.jpg
Warning: The pharmaceutical applications and dietary uses are provided for informational purposes only and do not in any way constitute medical prescriptions. We therefore decline any responsibility for their use for curative, aesthetic, or nutritional purposes.