Common Name: Natal Plum

General Information

Natal plum is a thorny, evergreen shrub or small tree with a compact crown growing up to 4 metres tall[].
The plant yields a fruit that is enjoyed in many parts of the world. It is often cultivated in Africa and other areas of the tropics and subtropics, mainly as an ornamental and a hedge, but sometimes also for its edible fruit[, ]. The fruits are sold in local markets[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Africa - Natal and Cape Provinces.

Habitat

In coastal scrub, on sand dunes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant mainly of the subtropical zone, where it is found at low elevations. It succeeds in a variety of climatic conditions and at a wide range of elevations and latitudes[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 23 - 28°c, but can tolerate 10 - 34°c[]. Mature growth can be killed by temperatures of -5°c or lower, though young growth is killed at -3°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,200mm, but tolerates 600 - 1,800mm[].
Prefers a fertile, moist soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position[]. Succeeds in a range of soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 8[]. Plants are tolerant of windy positions and salt spray[].
Plants start bearing fruit when about 4 - 5 years old from seed, and about 2 - 3 years when vegetatively reproduced[].
Plants can flower all year round[, ].
With its dimorphic flowers, C. macrocarpa is functionally dioecious[]. Plants with short-styled flowers do, however, set occasional fruits[].
There are some named varieties[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The flavour is sweet to subacid, and fruits are sometimes astringent[]. The fruit can be made into jellies, syrups, pickles, tarts etc[]. The fruit is up to 5cm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a hedge[]. It is normally heavily pruned to form a thorny dense barrier that can keep animals out[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe.
Heeled, semi-ripe cuttings of side shoots[].
Layering.

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