Natal Plum

Afrikaans name: Grootnoemnoem

Natal Plum tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Carissa macrocarpa

The natural distribution of the Natal Plum is along the coastal regions of Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique. It handles the salt content of the sea breezes well which makes it popular in coastal gardens. This feature along with its white flowers make it popular with gardeners in California and Florida.

The flowers stay on the plant for months. The crimson fruit is roundish and may be eaten although the rest of the plant should be considered as poisonous. There is no proof that the tree is poisonous but one should rather err on the safe side! The shiny leaves are deep green in colour.

References and further reading

Two Oceans - Author: Branch, Griffiths, Branch and Beckley - Published: 2010 - Page: 436

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 154

The Gardener - 2010/06 - Author: - Published: 2010 - Page: 34

The Gardener - 2015/02 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 37

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 948

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 110

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 430

The Beach Book - Author: Jerry Gosnell - Published: 2011 - Page: 117

Indigenous Garden Plants of Southern Africa - Author: Glenice Ebedes - Published: 2017 - Page: 65

Indigenous Beginnings - Author: Anneke Kearney - Published: 2008 - Page: 47

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 392

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 167

Gardening with Indigenous Shrubs - Author: David and Sally Johnson, Geoff Nichols - Published: 2002 - Page: 28

For more info: SANBI

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