Carissa lanceolata

Conkerberry

Carissa lanceolata, commonly known as the Natal Plum, is a resilient, evergreen shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers, this medicinal plant offers significant therapeutic potential. It is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammation.

  • Scientific name: Carissa lanceolata
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Australasia

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae and the genus Carissa. Specifically, Carissa lanceolata is a medicinal species recognized by its distinct taxonomic placement within these groups.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Carissa WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by the common name conkerberry in English, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae.
Language Common Name Source
en conkerberry Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Carissa lanceolata, exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of Australia. Its distribution can be traced through the tropical landscapes of the Northern Territory. It is also commonly found throughout the expansive territories of Queensland. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the diverse environments of South Australia. Finally, its geographical reach concludes in the unique terrains of Western Australia.

Region Area Source
Australia Northern Territory WCVP
Australia Queensland WCVP
Australia South Australia WCVP
Australia Western Australia WCVP

Chemicals

Carissa lanceolata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2'-hydroxyacetophenone, carinol, carissone.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2'-hydroxyacetophenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
carinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
carissone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Carissa lanceolata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Carissa lanceolata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include chest pain, toothache.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
chest pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
toothache 1 ★☆☆☆☆