Carissa macrocarpa is a thorny evergreen shrub native to coastal regions of eastern and southern Africa. Commonly known as Natal plum, it produces fragrant white flowers followed by edible crimson fruits. Seeds germinate within 2-8 weeks with proper pre-treatment, though germination can be inconsistent due to seed coat hardness.
Before sowing
Treat seed with pre-emergence fungicide before sowing; scarification recommended to overcome hard seed coat dormancy
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Seeds should be sown fresh when possible. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Development of seedlings is initially slow. Plants cultivated from seeds bear fruits within the first two years. Cuttings are preferred for propagation as they maintain parent plant characteristics.
Sources: Wikipedia (Carissa macrocarpa), Viriar, Plant World Seeds, Fynbos Corridor Collaboration, propagate.one, PlantZAfrica, North Carolina Extension, University of Florida IFAS
