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Classification
Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Carissa Species: C. macrocarpa Common name: Large Num Num (South Africa), Natal Plum, Amatungulu (Uganda) and Noem-Noem (Afrikaans) Relatives: Conkerberry, Karonda, Sand num-num, and Oleander.


Distribution
Grows mainly in coastal regions of South Africa. Grows in sand dunes and on the edges of coastal forests from Natal to Mozambique. Today it commonly grows in Southern Florida and is cultivated in California.


Biological Aspects
Leaves- ovate, rounded base, acute apex and lateral inconspicuous veins. Trunk- many branches and spiny twigs. Flowers- large and white, fragrant, solitary and terminal. Fruits- purplish-red, oblong to rotund and has a milky juice.


Features of Cultivation
Quite easy to grow. Seeds germinate in 2 to 4 weeks after sowing. Plants will begin to bear fruits within first 2 years. Need a standard and balanced fertilizer for best fruit growth.


Environmental Requirements



Up to 1000 mm/year of rainfall Plants are drought resistant 1000 meters but up to 1500 meters for best growth Cold tolerant to -5 degrees Celsius Tolerates up to 32 degrees Celsius, best growth in full sun exposure Any soil is good, as long as it drains well Salt tolerant up to 5000 ppm


Plant Uses
This plant is used for its large fruits that it produces. The fruit is used for many things such as jams and jellies. Natal Plum plants have also been used for Bonsai Trees. The Natal Plum is used in quite a few medicinal ways, it is used to prevent anemia and to build hemoglobin.


North American and Native American Uses



There are no Native uses because the plant was not cultivated in North America until


Facts
The plant of the Natal Plum is actually known to be extremely poisonous. According to a study done in 2011, isolates from the natal plum's stem inhibited proliferation of Leukemia cells. Natal plums have potential for wound healing because of their strong antimicrobial properties. In 2012, it was shown that taking an extract from the natal plum can help to significantly lower your blood pressure.