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Carissa macrocarpa

Natal plum

Carissa macrocarpa, commonly known as Natal Plum, is a versatile evergreen shrub valued for its medicinal and ornamental properties. Beyond its striking white flowers and edible fruit, various cultures utilize its leaves and bark in traditional remedies to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions through herbal decoctions.

  • Scientific name: Carissa macrocarpa
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is further categorized into the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Carissa, specifically the species Carissa macrocarpa.

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 scientifically as Carissa macrocarpa, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Arabic, it is called كاريس كبير الثمار, while in Hebrew, it is known as קריסה גדולת פרי. In Dutch, the species is commonly called Natalpruim, and in Russian, it is identified as карисса крупноплодная. Additionally, in Thai, it is referred to as หีบไม้งาม.
Language Common Name Source
ar كاريس كبير الثمار Wikidata
he קריסה גדולת פרי Wikidata
nl Natalpruim Wikidata
ru карисса крупноплодная Wikidata
th หีบไม้งาม Wikidata
tr Natal eriği Wikidata
zh 大花假虎刺 Wikidata
af Grootnoemnoem Wikidata
fa آلو کریسمس Wikidata
cs voskovec velkoplodý Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its presence extends to East Tropical Africa, specifically located in Kenya. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout South Tropical Africa. This southern range includes significant populations in Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP
Middle Atlantic Ocean Ascension WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Natal Plum, utilizes its small, berry-like fruits as a significant component of its biological profile. These fleshy fruits typically transition from green to a deep, vibrant red as they reach maturity, serving as a primary source of nourishment for local wildlife. In certain traditional contexts, these fruits are recognized for their unique characteristics, distinguishing them from the other structural elements of the shrub.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Carissa macrocarpa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include vitamin C.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
vitamin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Carissa macrocarpa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆