Apocynaceae
Carissa tetramera
Sand num-num · Mtandamboo
S
Available in our catalogue
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View in catalogue →About
Carissa tetramera is a multi-stemmed shrub typically reaching 3-4 metres in height, distinguished by its forked, slender spines up to 5 cm long and milky sap. Its leaves are shiny, dark green, and can be elliptic to nearly round. The shrub produces strongly scented, white to pink-tinged, four-lobed flowers, followed by edible, ellipsoid fruits that ripen from red to purple-black and are approximately 1 cm long.
Where it works in Kilifi
This coastal species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils. It is excellent for creating impenetrable security hedges due to its spiny branches or can be used as a specimen plant in dry open woodland or xeriscaped gardens.
Growing notes
Carissa tetramera has a slow to moderate growth rate and is drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to moderate watering. It prefers warm climates and is not frost-hardy. All parts of the plant, except the fully ripe fruits, are considered poisonous.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, theferns.info, wikipedia.org, seedsandall.co.za, jstor.org, grokipedia.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.