Carissa macrocarpa Variegated Green Carpet

Carissa macrocarpa Variegated Green Carpet

Quantity:

Common Names

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

Taxonomy

Family APOCYNACEAE
Genus Carissa
Species macrocarpa
SA Plant Number
Basionym Carissa macrocarpa Variegated Green Carpet

Description

Carissa macrocarpa Variegated Green Carpet is a hardy, evergreen, drought resistant, dense, spiny, dwarf spreading shrublet. This particular variety has leathery, striking dark green and yellow variegated, 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.

This versatile plant can be used to cover large areas or clipped into an attractive small formal hedge. It also looks great in a container. Erect shoots should be clipped to keep the dwarf habit.

Plant in shade, semi-shade or sun, in well-drained, well-composted soil.

Size: up to 40cm

Wildlife

Fruit for birds:

Fruit eating birds and monkeys relish the fruit.

Uses

Landscaping:
  • Wonderful container subject.
  • Great plant for rockeries and retaining walls.
  • Clips very well into a small, neat box hedge.
  • Good groundcover that gives extra protective security layer outside of a boundary wall or fence.

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape


Habitat:
coastal dunes, Coastal thicket, Forest margin

+

Admin Notice: