Tree - Carissa macrocarpa: English: Natal Plum, Big num-num. Afrikaans: Grootnoem-noem. Zulu: Amatungulu
Natural protection on the boundary of homes down here on the coast, namely the Natal plum, evergreen with a glossy rounded leaf in deep green, beautiful white flowers from early spring into summer, offering fruit num-num.
Around my garden today the Natal Plum is in flower (Summer down South), to the right of the white flowers you will notice the green fruit starting to appear, yes I watch these grow closely, it is a race between the Vervet Monkey and myself, as to who will eat when ripened!
Shrub or tree, personally it is over 1 meter in height, so for me it is a tree, planted along boundary walls with the thorns it carries it should put off any would be wall jumpers, If planted a meter apart they make a great choice for protection.
Maximum height they grow is 4 meters, grow relatively fast, don't mind being trimmed, making them ideal for hedging, good wind-break, Oh did I mention they don't need much watering or attention.
Living coastal this tree enjoy sandy soil, sun or semi-shaded areas, offering a delicous large red fruit which is edible (enjoyed straight off the tree). Made into jams, preserves, cordials, chutney when you collect enough (this beautiful ruby red coloured fruit is not available in stores).
Fruit exudes a white sticky latex on slicing, is high in pectin, when cooking find a low pectin fruit to help it set, like strawberries.
Num-num fruit is high in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, what is not to like? For me it is a nifty little tree to place into the garden.
Pretty starry white flowers with a soft orange fragrance, inviting butterflies and birds into the garden, birds will nest within the hedge protected by the Y-shaped thorns throughout the tree offering protection, is a water-wise solution.
Having hedging may be the answer to adding protection, good windbreak, offers evergreen tree all year round, with beautiful flowers through summer followed by bright red fruits to use. Working with nature works better than affording expensive walls we have learned over the past couple of years.
Thought for today: A man does not run among thorns for no reason; either he is chasing a snake or a snake is chasing him. ~ African proverb
Tree Tuesday - my contibution to @old-guy-photos
All photography is my own (please ask permission if you wish to use any of my photography)
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