Carissa macrocarpa: Complete care, cultivation, and specifics guide
La Carissa Macrocarpa, also known as princess, Natal cherry tree o Natal plum tree, is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, highly valued both for its ornamental value and for the production of showy, edible fruits. Belonging to the family apocynaceae, is related to the oleander, which explains some of its botanical characteristics. This plant stands out especially in Mediterranean gardens and temperate coastal areas due to its hardiness and visual appeal.
Botanical characteristics of Carissa macrocarpa
Carissa macrocarpa is a shrub of slow growth and very branched silhouette, which can reach between 2 and 4 meters tall under optimal growing conditions, although there are compact cultivars, such as 'Boxwood Beauty', which have less development, or creeping varieties that rarely exceed 60 cm.
- Foliage: Its leaves are evergreen, leathery, oval, deep green, with a glossy surface, pointed, oppositely arranged, and fleshy in texture.
- Branches and thorns: Its densely branched branches present powerful forked spines, characteristics that make it ideal as a defensive plant or for impenetrable hedges.
- Cortex: Rough and brown in color, it adds extra appeal to the shrub.
Flowers, fruits and ornamental value
One of the greatest charms of Carissa macrocarpa lies in its spectacular flowering and fruiting, which often coexist on the plant:
- Flowers: Star-shaped, white, with five petals, large (approximately 5 cm in diameter), and an intense, pleasant fragrance that is most noticeable at night. These flowers, similar in appearance but larger than those of the common jasmine, are rich in nectar and especially attract butterflies and bees.
- Flowering period: Although it can bloom at any time of year in appropriate climates, the greatest floral splendor usually occurs in spring and lasts until autumn, with some flowers continuously present throughout the year.
- Fruits: Ovoid berries, deep red or purple in color, with a juicy, edible pulp, whose flavor is reminiscent of a cross between a strawberry and a blueberry. However, it is essential remove the seeds before consuming the fruit as they are toxic like the rest of the plant, except for the pulp of the fruit.
The fruits can be eaten fresh, used in salads, fruit salads, jams, and even desserts. They also have a high nutrient content. Vitamin C, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and iron, providing Carissa macrocarpa with added nutritional value.
Lighting and location requirements
This species shows a marked preference for exposure to full sun, which promotes abundant flowering and fruit production. However, it can also thrive in semi-shadow, although this will reduce the number of flowers and fruit. In regions with very hot and dry climates, it will appreciate a few hours of partial shade during the hottest hours of the day.
- Sunny exposure: Clear location, ideal for south-facing gardens, patios or terraces.
- Coastal conditions: It withstands salty winds and is ideal for gardens by the sea.
- Use in containers: It can be grown in large pots on balconies, patios and terraces, making it easy to move in cold weather.
Optimal climate and resistance
Carissa macrocarpa is a hardy and resistant species, adapted to warm and dry environments, but with limitations in cold climates:
- Temperature: It tolerates high temperatures and drought once established. It is limited in its resistance to cold, withstanding occasional slight drops but does not resist frost prolonged (affects from -3°C).
- New outbreak: If the plant suffers a severe frost and loses leaves, it can regrow from the roots if temperatures moderate.
- Winter protection: In cold regions, it is best to grow it in a pot to protect it during the winter.
Ideal soil and nutritional needs
This plant shows great adaptability to the type of substrate, although it offers its best development in well drained soil:
- Floor type: It tolerates poor, sandy, and coastal soils. However, for more vigorous growth, soils rich in organic matter are recommended.
- Sewer system: Essential. Waterlogging is its main enemy, as it causes root rot and stress in the plant.
- Potted: Use light substrates, mixing garden soil with coarse sand and some perlite to ensure optimal drainage.
Subscriber: It is advisable to contribute well rotted manure o organic material in autumn, in addition to mineral fertilizer every two months during winter and spring, especially if grown in pots (in this case, monthly fertilization with a liquid universal fertilizer diluted in the irrigation water).
Irrigation and drought resistance
- Moderate irrigation: During the first few months after planting, moderate watering is recommended to encourage rooting. Once established, it tolerates long periods of drought, although a prolonged lack of water can reduce flowering and fruiting.
- Avoid puddles: Excess water or poorly drained soil can quickly deteriorate the plant.
- Potted: Constant but scarce watering, approximately every 10 days, adjusting the frequency according to the ambient temperature and humidity.
- Winter: Reduce watering to a minimum, only when the substrate is completely dry and on days that are not too cold.
Pruning and maintenance
The Carissa macrocarpa is, in essence, low maintenanceIt does not require drastic pruning, although it tolerates trimming very well to control its shape and size:
- Training/maintenance pruning: Limit yourself to removing dry, damaged, or untidy branches to maintain a compact silhouette.
- Suitable season: Prune, if necessary, at the end of winter. Pruning immediately after flowering may reduce fruit production.
- Hedges and topiary forms: Due to its dense foliage and branching, it is ideal for forming defensive hedges and plant screens.
Multiplication and propagation
- Cuttings: It can be easily propagated by semi-woody cuttings in late spring or summer.
- Seeds: Another option is to sow seeds extracted from the fruit, preferably in late winter. Germination can take up to two months, so patience and keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged are recommended.
Pests, diseases and toxicity
Carissa macrocarpa is, in general terms, a resistant plant to pests and diseases. However, some situations can affect their development:
- Chlorosis: If the soil is excessively poor or alkaline, the leaves may turn yellow due to iron deficiency. Correct this by fertilizing appropriately.
- Diseases: Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.
Toxicity: Except for the pulp of the ripe fruit, all parts of the plant (leaves, bark, latex, seeds) contain toxic compounds. The seeds of the fruit, in particular, should be removed before eating the pulp. Always keep out of reach of pets and small children.
Uses in gardening and landscaping
- Defensive hedges: Thanks to its tough, forked thorns, it is ideal for creating security barriers and impenetrable hedges.
- Windscreens: Very useful in coastal gardens and those exposed to salty winds.
- Isolated specimen: Due to its attractive appearance and dense foliage, it works effectively as a focal point in the garden.
- Pot cultivation: Perfect for patios, terraces and balconies.
- Combines well with other species: It is recommended to accompany with Salvia leucantha, Agapanthus africanus, Bougainvillea, and Moraea to create contrasts and exotic environments.
Benefits of the fruits and precautions
The fruits of Carissa macrocarpa stand out for their nutritional properties, being especially rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals. They are used both in fresh consumption and in preparations of confectionery and jams.
It is important to remember that the seeds and the rest of the plant are toxic and should not be ingested, as they can cause digestive problems and other adverse effects in people and animals.
Curiosities and symbolism
- Name The term macrocarpa refers to the relatively large size of its fruits.
- Family: It shares a family with the oleander, from which it inherits its resistance and certain defensive and toxic characteristics.
- Natural habitat: In South Africa, it grows on coastal dunes and forest clearings, which explains its ability to thrive in sandy soils and its resistance to salinity.
Carissa macrocarpa offers a unique combination of hardiness, ornamental value, and garden utility. With proper care, this exotic plant can enjoy a prominent place for both its beauty and its easy maintenance and the possibility of savoring its fruits always with due caution.
