Natal plum

Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC.

Apocynaceae

Native to southern Africa, Carissa macrocarpa is a shrub with striking Y-shaped spines cultivated in South Africa and Mozambique for its fruit.

Its scented white flowers with 5 petals are reminiscent of the jasmine flower, but are much larger. The red fruits, in the form of elongated plums, are also cultivated outside their natural habitat in Nicaragua. Its roots also have medicinal uses in the Zulu tradition.