Carissa macrocarpa

Carissa macrocarpa, commonly known as the big num-num or the Natal plum and as amatungulu in Zulu, is a multistemmed, much-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree reaching from 2 m to 8 m in height (SA Tree List No. 640.3). Forming part of the Apocynaceae family, all parts of the plant contain a non-toxic milky latex, emerging when the plant is bruised. 

The rigid spines, forked once or twice become up to 5 cm long. 

The species distribution is along the southeastern and east coasts of South Africa in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique.

The habitat is coastal forest margins, scrub and dunes, usually close to the sea. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century.

The plant is a favourite garden subject on account of its pretty flowers, edible fruit, strong and easy growing in most gardening conditions and soil types, low water requirements, frost surviving and general low maintenance (Pooley, et al, 2025; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist; https://pza.sanbi.org; http://redlist.sanbi.org).