AVERAGE SIZE (H) x (W): 4m x 4m
MAXIMUM SIZE (H) x (W): 6m x 4m
FLOWERING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
An evergreen tree or scrambling shrub with a dense canopy. All parts of the plant exude a white non-toxic, milky latex. The bark is light brown and corky with deep cracks on older branches and stems. The leaves are leathery, drak green above and paler below. It bears rigid spines up to 70mm long. Flowers are borne on terminal heads and are star-shaped, white tinged with pink with a sweet, jasmine-like scent. The fruit is a roundish dark purple berry 25mm in diameter.
GARDEN THEMES:Bushveld, country, forest
LANDSCAPING USES:
If planted close together, this makes an effective hedge. It also makes an attractive background plant.
Hi Tarun
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
I think they’re different species. You’d need to check with a plant taxonomist as there has been a little confusion on this.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi,
Carissa Edulis and Carissa spinarum are same plant or they different??
Carissa spinarum is found in India so I want to know if both plant are same only name is different country wise.
Please let me know if you have information about this.
Hi Jeanne
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Carissa edulis is perhaps less shade tolerant than Carissa macrocarpa or Carissa bispinosa. Both will need between 2-4 hours of sunshine to grow well.
Another thorny plant to consider would be Cassinopsis illicifolia (Lemon thorn).
Flourish!
Glenice
Can it tolerate shade. Am looking for a thorny hedge for my verge under Jacaranda trees? Please help
Hi Alta
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
It can tolerate moderate pruning – up to half a branch so it will absolutely tolerate shaping into a hedge. Remember to start shaping it within the first year of planting so that your hedge grows dense.
Flourish!
Glenice
Good evening.
One additional question: How much pruning can it tolerate? If we talk about hedges, would it tolerate shaping?
Hi Cedric
Thanks for visiting Plantbook. Yes, this is a very versatile plant.
Flourish!
Glenice
This plant is so amazing! Want to learn more about it!