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Carissa macrocarpa grows well in Cyprus especially near the coast, where it has a high resistance to saline soil and salt spray. Carissa is also moderately drought tolerant and best grown in full sun, so it is highly suited to the climate here. It was originally found along the coastline of Natal, hence its common name of Natal Plum. The bush, with its thick stems of waxy leaves and double-pronged thorns on the undersides, can grow to between 2 metres and 10 metres and is sometimes used as an intruder-proof hedge.
The white flowers, with their heavy gardenia perfume, appear on the ends of the branches either singly or in little clusters but they may not always bear fruit. The flowers are usually pollinated by night-flying insects and hawk moths. The dark red fruit is plum-like but with flat brown seeds inside. The flesh is very pleasant to eat and rich in Vitamin C, calcium and minerals. Whilst the fruit can be eaten, the rest of the plant is poisonous. Carissa can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
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