Natal Plum
CategoryTrees
Scientific NameCarissa macrocarpa
DifficultyEasy
Hardy and adaptable. Fewer thorns than Karanda. Tolerates coastal salt spray.
A hardy, spiny evergreen shrub with leathery, deep green oval leaves. It features fragrant, star-shaped white flowers and edible, ruby-red, plum-like fruit. With a tidier habit and sweeter fruit than its Karanda relative, it is a popular auspicious gift plant and attractive edible landscape shrub.
Cultivation
Sunlight
Full Sun. Tolerates coastal conditions and salt spray.
Watering
Moderate. More drought-tolerant than appearance suggests.
Soil Mix
Standard. Tolerates sand and clay.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced NPK (15-15-15) quarterly. Tolerates low fertility.
Challenges
Pests & Diseases
Few problems. Mild thorns—safer than Karanda.
Prevention
Minimal intervention required.
