Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Num Num. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in October 2016.

Description

A small shrub, or occasionally a tree, growing to 5-15 feet. The branches are thorny and contain a milky sap. The flowers are small (much smaller than the Natal Plum), white and have a sweet smell. Flowering and fruiting can occur for much of the year.

Hardiness

Plants are very mildly frost hardy, but the species does best in warm areas.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun. Plants are somewhat drought tolerant and are highly tolerant of winds and salty breezes. Though drought tolerant, plants should be watered regularly during growing seasons.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

Fruits are eaten fresh and can be used to make jams and jellies. The fruits are locally commercialized and are sometimes available in local markets and roadside stands. The plants are also popular as decorative shrubs and hedges.

Native Range

Native to much of the southern portion of Africa and north to Kenya.

Related Species

Apocynaceae
	Adenium obesum Desert Rose		Carissa bispinosa Num Num
	Carissa carandas Karonda		Carissa macrocarpa Natal Plum
	Carissa wyliei Forest Num Num		Couma utilis Sorva
	Hancornia speciosa Mangaba		Plumeria obtusa, P. rubra Plumeria
	Willughbeia angustifolia Pitabu		Willughbeia coriacea Willughbeia coriacea
	Willughbeia elmerii Willughbeia elmerii		Willughbeia sarawakensis Willughbeia sarawakensis