Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, it thrives in containers as long as you provide excellent drainage.

How often should I prune it?

Prune it once or twice a year to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

Plant guide

Natal Plum.

Carissa macrocarpa

Pronounced kuh-RISS-uh mak-roh-KAR-puh

Also known as Amantungula Numnum, Amantungulu, Amatungulu, Big Numnum, Large Num-num, Natal Plum, Natal-plum, Num-num

The Natal plum is a tough, evergreen shrub that produces fragrant white flowers and edible red fruit. It is a fantastic choice for hedges or containers due to its dense, thorny growth. You will love how it brings a tropical feel to your garden while standing up to coastal conditions.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 meters
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Spring through summer

Care

This shrub thrives in full sun and needs well draining soil to stay happy. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. Prune it occasionally to maintain your desired shape and manage those sharp thorns.

Watering: Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back after the main flowering period to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the container.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: 0 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Fragrance: strong
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but the milky sap can cause mild irritation to sensitive skin.
Pets: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though the thorns can cause physical injury to curious pets.
Children: The extremely sharp, Y-shaped thorns pose a significant puncture risk to small children.
Contact allergens: The sharp, Y-shaped thorns can cause mechanical injury and the sap may irritate sensitive skin.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: While the fruit is edible, ensure you correctly identify the plant as Carissa macrocarpa, as other species in the Apocynaceae family can be toxic.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green leathery leaves
Sturdy, Y shaped thorns
Star shaped white flowers
Bright red edible plum like fruit

Height: 1 to 3m
Spread: 1 to 3m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, 3 to 5cm
Fruit: red, Summer to autumn

Common problems

Scale insects — These small insects suck sap from the stems and leaves, often leading to sooty mold.
Root rot — Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to fungal decay of the root system.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: If you live in a cold climate, bring the container indoors before the first frost. Place it in a bright window and reduce watering significantly during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided you use a pot with drainage holes and a minimum size of 12 inches in diameter.

Stem Cuttings

Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light until roots form.

Pair this plant with other drought-tolerant species that enjoy full sun to minimize maintenance needs.

Grows well with

Bird of Paradise — They share similar water and light requirements in warm climates.
Agave — Both plants thrive in sunny, well-drained spots and offer a nice textural contrast.

Keep away from

Hostas — Hostas require much more shade and moisture than the sun-loving Natal Plum.

Similar species

Carissa carandas — It is a close relative often used for similar culinary and ornamental purposes.

Science

Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Carissa
Order: Gentianales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Coastal regions of South Africa.
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It is highly adapted to coastal environments, tolerating salt spray and sandy soils with ease.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, nesting cover
Pollinators: bees, moths, butterflies
Uses: ornamental hedge, edible fruit, security barrier, container plant

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Temperature: 8/9
Salinity: 7/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as you provide excellent drainage.
How often should I prune it?: Prune it once or twice a year to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Carissa comes from the Indian name for the plant, while macrocarpa refers to its large fruit.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the Natal Plum.
The fruit tastes somewhat like a cranberry.
It is a very popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
The thorns are actually modified branches.

Is your natal plum looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.