Carissa spinarum
TAXONOMY
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusCarissa
Zone10
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Carissa spinarum, commonly known as the Natal plum, is a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for its thorny branches and small, fragrant white flowers that produce edible red fruits. The plant is well-suited to warm climates and can tolerate some drought. It has a dormancy period of about 2 months during the cooler season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Antura Edules
Antura Hadiensis
Arduina Campenonii
Arduina Inermis
Cabucala Brachyantha
Damnacanthus Esquirolii
Jasminonerium Densiflorum
Jasminonerium Dulce
Jasminonerium Edule
Jasminonerium Inerme
Jasminonerium Madagascariense
Jasminonerium Ovatum
Jasminonerium Sechellense
Jasminonerium Suavissimum
Jasminonerium Tomentosum
Arduina brownii
Arduina edulis
Arduina laxiflora
Arduina xylopicron
Azima pubescens
Carandas edulis
Carissa abyssinica
Carissa axillaris
Carissa brownii
Carissa brownii var. angustifolia
Carissa brownii var. ovata
Carissa campenonii
Carissa candolleana
Carissa carandas var. congesta
Carissa carandas var. paucinervia
Carissa cochinchinensis
Carissa comorensis
Carissa congesta
Carissa coriacea
Carissa cornifolia
Carissa dalzellii
Carissa densiflora
Carissa densiflora var. microphylla
Carissa diffusa
Carissa dulcis
Carissa edulis
Carissa edulis f. nummularis
Carissa edulis f. pubescens
Carissa edulis subsp. continentalis
Carissa edulis subsp. madagascariensis
Carissa edulis var. ambungana
Carissa edulis var. comorensis
Carissa edulis var. densiflora
Carissa edulis var. edulis
Carissa edulis var. horrida
Carissa edulis var. lucubea
Carissa edulis var. major
Carissa edulis var. microphylla
Carissa edulis var. nummularis
Carissa edulis var. revoluta
Carissa edulis var. sechellensis
Carissa edulis var. septentrionalis
Carissa edulis var. subtrinervia
Carissa gangetica
Carissa hirsuta
Carissa horrida
Carissa inermis
Carissa lanceolata
Carissa laotica
Carissa laotica var. ferruginea
Carissa laxiflora
Carissa macrophylla
Carissa madagascariensis
Carissa mitis
Carissa obovata
Carissa oleoides
Carissa opaca
Carissa ovata
Carissa ovata var. pubescens
Carissa ovata var. stolonifera
Carissa papuana
Carissa paucinervia
Carissa pilosa
Carissa pubescens
Carissa revoluta
Carissa richardiana
Carissa scabra
Carissa sechellensis
Carissa septentrionalis
Carissa spinarum
Carissa stolonifera
Carissa suavissima
Carissa tomentosa
Carissa velutina
Carissa villosa
Carissa xylopicron
Carissa yunnanensis
Jasminonerium laxiflorum
Jasminonerium pubescens
Jasminonerium xylopicron
Spiny carissa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Carissa spinarum thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil partially dries out, and it benefits from moderate humidity. The plant can tolerate some drought but performs best with regular watering during the growing season.Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost works well for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot Carissa spinarum every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repot in the spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Propagate Carissa spinarum through seeds or cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds can be sown in a warm, sunny location.Pruning
Prune the plant to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and better fruit production.Toxicity
Carissa spinarum is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms. Handle with care and keep out of reach of children and pets.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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