Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) Carissa macrocarpa
Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Apocynaceae family, native to Coastal bush of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and southern Mozambique. It grows 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: ripe red fruit (raw, jam, jelly) |
| Native to | Coastal bush of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and southern Mozambique |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: milky sap, leaves, unripe fruit
Only the ripe fruit is eaten; the milky sap and other parts may irritate. Forked spines.
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 Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu)
- How far apart should I plant Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) flower?
- From about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Only the ripe fruit is eaten; the milky sap and other parts may irritate. Forked spines.
- What grows well with Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Natal plum (num-num, amatungulu). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- A glossy, spiny, salt-tolerant hedge and seaside shrub with jasmine-scented white stars and red fruit on the plant together for much of the year. Syn. Carissa grandiflora; dwarf cultivars are used as ground cover.
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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- Mandevilla Mandevilla sanderi
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