Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) Carissa carandas
Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) (Carissa carandas) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Apocynaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent (Himalayan foothills to Sri Lanka). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (sour; jams, pickles, syrup), unripe fruit (pickles) |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent (Himalayan foothills to Sri Lanka) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: milky sap, unripe fruit in quantity, roots
Milky sap like other Carissa; fruit is eaten widely, but the roots are reported as toxic. Long paired thorns.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng)
- How far apart should I plant Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Milky sap like other Carissa; fruit is eaten widely, but the roots are reported as toxic. Long paired thorns.
- What grows well with Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Karanda (Bengal currant, nam daeng). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Dense, thorny, very tough shrub: a traditional stock-proof hedge. Jasmine-scented flowers; red then purple-black berries. In Thailand the red fruit is candied and sold as a "cherry".
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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