A very pretty shrub in South Florida is this Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa). The evergreen leaves make for an always attractive hedge. In addition Natal Plum flowers and bears fruit yearround, adding to its attractiveness. Salty wind envirnomnets are a preferred habitat. Sandy soils are preferable. Both conditions make coastal areas a prime location for Natal Palm. Copyright 2024 Pamela BreitbergThe flowers of the Natal Plum evoke simple, natural beauty. Notice that the leaves are a little prickly, helping protect the flowers and fruit from some invaders while the flowers encourage pollinators. The red fruits, plums, are edible. Native South Africans call the Plum, Large num-num; quite telling for its eating popularity. A reminder: Do not eat the fruit of any plant that is grown anywhere that may have used pesticides; in other words, no nibbling the fruit while on neighborhood walks. Copyright 2024 Pamela Breitberg
