Definition

Noun: 1. Edible scarlet plum-like fruit: The edible, bright red, plum-shaped fruit of a specific South African evergreen shrub (Carissa macrocarpa or Carissa grandiflora). 2. South African shrub: A large, densely branched, evergreen shrub native to South Africa, characterized by forked spines, glossy green leaves, white fragrant flowers, and the aforementioned edible red fruit. It is often used for ornamental hedging.

Usage Examples

• The natal plum is sweet and can be eaten fresh or made into jams.
• We planted a row of natal plum along the fence for privacy and security.
• The natal plum in our garden is blooming with star-shaped white flowers.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: "Natal plum" is the most widely used common name for . In horticultural contexts, it may simply be referred to as "Carissa."
• In landscaping: The term is often used to specify the plant species when discussing drought-tolerant or coastal gardens, as in: "For a low-maintenance hedge, consider the natal plum."

Variants and Related Words

• Carissa macrocarpa (n): The botanical (Latin) name for the natal plum shrub.
• Carissa grandiflora (n): A synonym for .
• Amatungulu (n): A common name for the same plant in South Africa, derived from Zulu.

Synonyms

• Carissa (n): The genus name, often used as a shorthand for the plant in gardening.
• Num-num (n): Another informal common name for the fruit or shrub in South Africa.

Related Phrases & Contexts

• Natal plum hedge: A hedge formed by planting natal plum shrubs closely together.
  • The natal plum hedge provides an effective barrier against intruders.
• Natal plum jam/jelly: A preserve made from the fruit.
  • She makes a delicious natal plum jelly from the bushes in her yard.

Noun

1. edible scarlet plumlike fruit of a South African plant
2. South African shrub having forked spines and plumlike fruit; frequently used as hedging
3. very large closely branched South African shrub having forked bright green spines and shiny leaves