Carissa macrocarpa Green carpet

Common Names

Dwerg Natalpruim (afrikaans)amathungula (xhosa)umthungulu (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family APOCYNACEAE
Genus Carissa
Species macrocarpa
Sub Specie Green carpet
SA Plant Number 640.3
Basionym Carissa macrocarpa Green carpet

Description

Carissa macrocarpa green carpet is a hardy, drought resistant, dense, spiny, dwarf spreading shrublet with leathery, dark green, glossy leaves.

It has beautiful, quite large, scented, white flowers and large edible red fruits on and off throughout the year. It attracts butterflies and fruit eating birds to the garden.

The fruits make a delicious jelly that is sold as Amatungulu Jelly. This useful plant can be used to cover large areas in sun or semi shade or clipped into an attractive small formal hedge and also looks great in a container.

Erect shoots should be clipped to keep the dwarf habit.

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

Attributes

Calendar

Tags

+

Admin Notice: