What is a Natal Plum?

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The Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, specifically the Natal region, hence the name. It's a versatile plant known for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and distinctive, plum-like fruits.

Natal Plums are dense, spiny shrubs that can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) in height. They have glossy, dark green leaves and produce star-shaped, white to pink flowers that emit a strong, pleasant fragrance.

The plant produces bright red, plum-like fruits that are around 4-5cm in diameter. These fruits are edible, with a taste often described as a mix between a cranberry and a ripe strawberry. They're sometimes used to make jellies or jams. Please note that while the fruits are edible, the rest of the plant, including the seeds inside the fruit, is toxic and should not be consumed.

Natal Plums thrive in sunny locations and are quite salt-tolerant, which makes them popular in coastal regions. They prefer well-drained soils and are fairly drought-resistant once established, but will benefit from regular watering.

Beyond its edible fruits, the Natal Plum is often used as a decorative plant due to its pretty flowers and attractive, dense foliage. Its hardiness and dense growth make it a popular choice for hedges or barriers.

This plant does have significant thorns, so it's important to consider placement carefully to avoid injuries. The Natal Plum can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. It's a hardy plant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids, scale, and whitefly.
Other Names: The Natal Plum is also known by several other names including "Large Num-Num", "Big Num-Num", "Amatungulu", or "Carissa".