Climbing Num Num Live Plant (Carissa spinarum)

Carissa spinarum is a densely branched, spiny, tiny tree or shrub that can reach heights of 1 to 5.5 metres. From Africa, via Arabia, Asia, to Australia and New Caledonia, this plant is indigenous to the drier regions of the tropics and subtropics. The plant is taken from the wild and is a valuable resource for the community because it may be used as food and medicine. It produces spherical, dark purple fruits that are smooth and meaty and have a sweet, agreeable flavour. They are typically consumed raw and processed into jam, but they can also be fermented to produce vinegar.

Common Name: Carrisse, Climbing Num Num, Wild num num

Botanical Name: Carissa spinarum

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate