91Ö±²¥

The South African native Carissa or Natal plum grows well here and has many appealing features. It is somewhat drought tolerant, has fragrant flowers and edible fruit. Also, many varieties are thorny, which can be an advantage in some locations.

Originally from the Kwa Zulu Natal province on the south west coast of South Africa, the Natal plum thrives in the coastal sand dunes of this area as well as inland in upland areas like those in the nearby Transvaal Province. Our similar growing conditions make this plant an excellent choice for Kona gardens.

Known botanically as Carissa macrocarpa, it is known in Zulu as “amatungulu.”

Natal plum is a member of the Apocynaceae or Dogbane family that includes about 400 genera and some 1,500 species. Most are tropical or subtropical plants and many have milky sap and some toxic plant parts. Some members of the family, including this Carissa, are also xeriscape plants that can survive long dry periods.

Natal plum was first introduced to the U.S. in 1896 but wasn’t distributed widely until 1903 when David Fairchild brought a large number of seeds from the Botanical Garden in Durban, South Africa, and distributed them for testing in Florida, the Gulf States and California. The plant was introduced to 91Ö±²¥ in 1905 and extensively distributed throughout the islands.

Many varieties have been developed from the original upright shrub and prostrate species. ‘Green Carpet’ is a ground cover, with lush green colored leaves. “Fancy” is a shrub-like specimen and “Grandiflora” is an old-fashioned shrub that grows 4-5 feet tall. “Jenny” is a small-leafed ground cover and “Boxwood Beauty” is a thorn-less dwarf that is often available locally. ‘Tuttle” is a variety that is low growing and dense.

Call local nurseries to see which varieties are currently available or call Margo at Sunrise to look for one for you. She is at (808) 640-9191. Also, look for someone growing a variety you like who will give you a cutting.

All Natal plums can be propagated from stem cuttings taken from the “mother plant” anytime of the year. The stem cuttings should from young woody stems and 4 to 6 inches long. Treat cuttings with rooting hormone and insert them in a moist medium. A combination of half perlite and half vermiculite works well. Air layering is also a reliable vegetative propagation technique for Natal plum. Seek instructions for this process online.

Fruit production usually begins within two years. Seeds from the fruit are viable. but they will not always grow true to the parent. Vegetative propagation from cuttings is actually preferred for predictable results. Seeds can be removed from the fruit and kept dry for several months before planting in potting soil or any seeding media. They should sprout quickly and can be planted out once they’ve produced several leaves and have a secure root system.

Natal plum does best when planted in areas that get four or more hours of full sun daily. If the climate is hot and dry, it can also do well in partial shade. The plant flowers continually in a hot, dry climate and can tolerate poor soil as long as it has good drainage. Naturally drought, salt, heat and wind tolerant, Carissa will grow well in most lower elevation locations in West 91Ö±²¥.

The small, deep green leathery leaves of this plant contrast with the lovely 2-inch, star shaped, white blossoms it produces year-round. The sweet fragrance of the flowers has been compared with jasmine as well as gardenia and is most pungent in the early evening. The shrub varieties make a wonderful hedging plant or can stand alone as a small tree. In the right location, some may grow to 20 feet tall.

Though the 1 to 2 inches long, sharp thorns on many varieties might be considered a disadvantage, planting this armed plant can create an excellent barrier to intruders, unwanted pedestrians or animals. Those who prefer thornless plants should consider growing and un-armed variety.

Carissa flowers are pollinated by night flying insects like the hawk moth and several kinds of beetles. If the pollinators are not numerous or present, fruit production may suffer. In some varieties, including “Fancy” the fruit can reach up to 3 inches long and is edible out of hand, though it has an astringent “puckery” quality and contains a bitter milky sap if eaten before it is mature.

Natal plum has enjoyed popularity in the local landscape industry due to its attractive appearance, the flowers’ appealing fragrance and the quality of the red fruit. The tasty oval fruit develops following flowering year-round and is definitely one of the advantages of this plant.

Though parts of Carissa can be toxic, the fresh fruit is edible and tasty. It is rich in Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and delicious in jams, sauces, pies and many other desserts.

Once established in the landscape, Natal plum only needs occasional watering when there is no rain. If it is being automatically irrigated, be sure the soil drains well. Avoid over watering which can cause fungal infestations and root rot.

Natal plum is a strong plant and when kept healthy will usually resist insects and diseases. Though fertilizing can make the plant grow vigorously, simply mulching the drip area of the plant can improve the soil and provide adequate nutrition for good health.

Natal plum responds well to pruning. Its small leaves mean it can maintain its attractive appearance even when pruned with automatic hedge trimmers. It can tolerate all manner of shaping as long as no more than one third of the plant is removed at once. This adaptability allows these plants to be shaped into geometric hedges, a single stalked small tree or an attractive bonsai specimen.

Regardless of the variety, Natal plum can make an attractive addition to any Kona garden. Consider growing it in your garden and enjoying the flowers and fruit.

Gardening events

Current: “Seeking pumpkin or kabocha squash from local growers.” Able to pay higher than normal rates until orders are filled. Squash will be processed for feeding keiki through the Department of Education’s school cafeteria program. For more information, growers can visit the website at Ulu.coop/dropoff or or email warehouse@eatbreadfruit.com.

Current: “Kona typica” grafted trees available for purchase. First come, first served basis. 20 “Kona typica” grafted (on C. liberica rootstock) trees are available for $15 each.

Tissue cultured “Ito” trees available at $15 each. Contact Andrea at andreak@hawaii.edu if you are interested.

Still available: CLR Resistant Coffee Trees. Go to https://youtu.be/11-vtPT2jRU or call 808-322-4892.

Continuing

“Coffee and Orchard Crops Webinar Series” Tuesdays at noon. A Q&A session with the presenter(s) will follow their pre-recorded or live presentation(s). Tentative dates and topics include:

• March 10: Food forest and cover cropping/treatments in the citrus grove by Kyle Franks of CTAHR.

• March 17: Mac nut research update by Dr. Angel Acebes-Doria (research while with USDA-PBARC).

• March 24: Parasitic nematodes, and presentation about the USDA Germplasm Repository in Hilo.

• March 31: Fungal attackers of multiple crops, and Record-keeping and tools.

• April 7: Current, common fruit growers’ challenges and solutions.

• Apr. 14: Updates on HARC’s coffee breeding program.

A single registration gives access to the series’ Zoom link. Contact Andrea Kawabata for flyer and registration information at (808) 322-4892 or andreak@hawaii.edu.

Continuing

Ka‘u Coffee Farm Field Day Events, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In-person events:

• Feb. 26: Nutrient sampling, sanitation practices and pruning.

• March 19: CBB &CLR management.

• April 23: Nutrition and fertilizing field day.

• May 21: Sanitation and desuckering field day.

All are free events. Lunch included for registrants. Spanish translator on site. Register at www.91Ö±²¥CoffeeEd.com/kau. Contact Matt at (808) 322-0164 with questions.

Farmer direct markets

Wednesday: Ho‘oulu Farmers Market at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.

Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center. Information on their online market at keauhoufarmersmarket.com/onlinemarket.

Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables.

Waimea Town Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Parker School in central Waimea.

Waimea 91Ö±²¥stead Farmers Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Waimea Middle and Elementary School playground.

Sunday: Pure Kona Green Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.

Hamakua Harvest, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honoka‘a.

Plant advice lines

Anytime: konamg@hawaii.edu

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, (808) 322-4893. Or walk in Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Konohana in Hilo, (808) 981-5199.

Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on Oahu and working part time in Kona.