Amatungulu
Carissa macrocarpa
- Native to:
- DR Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
PierreSelim
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Carissa
- Species:
- Carissa macrocarpa
- USDA Symbol:
- CAMA37
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 550 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), Polka-dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais), Puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal dunes, tolerates salt spray
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–90 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seeds germinate best; remove fruit pulp before planting. Germination can be erratic and slow.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI