The Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) bears fruits the size of a plum and originates from the province of Natal in the East of the state South Africa, hence its name. The fruits have a bight red peel and a pink, very juicy and sweet pulp of fruit with an aroma that reminds of cranberries. The thin, small seeds are edible, too, as is the peel. Additionally, these evergreen, thorny shrubs produce intensively fragrant and very big flowers. They reach up to 5 cm in diameter and have the shape of a propeller. They smell strongest during the late evening hours because they are pollinated by nocturnal insects. The flowers may be male, female or hermaphroditic, and it is therefore best to have two plants for a good harvest. Natal plums can be used in various situations, e.g. as a groundcover for large container plants or in a greenhouse where they look nice, when the branches hang down a wall. In the USA they are very popular as knee- to hip-high, clipped hedge. Natal plums can grow in full sunlight as well as in the shade and decorate allmost any place with their dark green, sturdy and glossy leaves.

Quality: big & pure white & fragrant flowers; tasty & eye-catching red fruits; evergreen; robust & easy care & very adaptable; groundcover or trailing plant
Use: in pots from April to October outside on balcony, terrace or in the garden - during winter in the house; all year in a heated greenhouse