Natal Plum Carissa macrocarpa 20 Seeds USA Company

Carissa macrocarpa, commonly known as Natal plum or Large Num-Num, is a species of flowering shrub native to South Africa. Here's a description:

Appearance: Carissa macrocarpa typically grows as a dense, evergreen shrub with a spreading habit, reaching heights of around 2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet). Its glossy, dark green leaves are elliptical to lance-shaped, arranged oppositely along the stems.

Flowers: The plant produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers, usually white or pink in color, with a prominent cluster of stamens in the center. These blooms are quite ornamental and attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Fruits: One of the most distinctive features of Carissa macrocarpa is its large, plum-like fruits, which are edible and turn from green to deep red or purple-black when ripe. The fruits are juicy and sweet, often used in jams, jellies, or eaten fresh.

Thorns: Like many other members of the genus Carissa, this species has sharp thorns along its stems, which serve as a protective mechanism against browsing animals.

Cultural Significance: In addition to its ornamental value, Carissa macrocarpa holds cultural significance in some regions where it is grown. Its fruits are not only enjoyed as a food source but also used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

Growing Conditions: Natal plum is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of coastal conditions, making it a popular choice for gardens in mild coastal climates.

Landscaping Use: Because of its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful fruits, Carissa macrocarpa is often used in landscaping as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant. It can also be trained into a small tree with pruning.

Growing Instructions

The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. 1. Soak the seeds in water for several hours. 2. Put a mixture of potting soil and sand or perlite into a pot with drainage holes in the base. The soil should be moist and well-drained. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil. 4. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil that is 0.5 inches thick. 5. Water the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not wet. 6. The seeds germinate in 2-4 weeks. 7. When the plants are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.