Plant of the month

Carissa macrocarpa Botanical name Apocynaceae Natal plum

Carissa Genus of about 35 species. Grows as a shrub or small tree. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia and Asia.

Description Evergreen. Leaves are a rich, glossy, waxy green. Flowers are white or pink, 1 – 5 cm in diameter. They are fragrant and appear throughout the summer. Attracts birds and butterflies. Will provide ground cover. A decorative flowering hedge or an individual shrub or tree.

Description Makes a good choice for coastal locations. Is tolerant to various light conditions. To get best results it will need full sun. Wind resistant. Can be grown from cuttings, best grown from seed. Can survive a little frost if planted in a protected spot. Produces edible fruit. Will tolerate some drought once established.

What's not to like Could encroach on other plants. Y – shaped thorns. Nearly all parts of the plant are poisonous ( like the Oleander ) Exudes a white, milky, non – toxic latex when cut.

The fruit Do not eat the fruit when green. ( it’s poisonous ) The ripe fruit is edible but may be fairly tart. Taste like a giant cranberry, though some species have fruity flavours with overtones of strawberry or apple. They are said to be rich in Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

The fruit Can be eaten when ripe or used to make jelly. Other uses : Fruit soup Fruit pie Bread Salad Recipes can be found on the internet.

The end