Status:
valid
                
                
                    
Authors:
L.
                
                
                    
Source:
wcs
                
                
                    
Year:
1771
                
                
                    
Citation Micro:
Mant. Pl. 2: 559 (1771)
                
                
                    
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000803913
                
             
            
            
                
                
                
            
            
            
                                    
                        Common Names
                        
                        - Carissa spinarum
 - Spiny Carissa
 - Spiked Carissa
                         
                     
                                
                
                    
                    
                    
                
                
                
                
                                                    
                        Description
                        
                            Carissa spinarum (also called Spiny Carissa, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and white, fragrant flowers. It is native to the coastal regions of South Africa and is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops, coastal scrub and woodlands.                        
                     
                                
                                    
                        Uses & Benefits
                        
                            Carissa spinarum is used as an ornamental plant and for its timber. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases, fever, and pain.                        
                     
                                
                                                    
                        Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
                        
                            The flower of Carissa spinarum is a small, white flower head, with a single spikelet. The seed is a small, brown, three-sided nut. The seedlings have a single, narrow, pointed leaf.                        
                     
                                
                
                
                                    
                        Cultivation and Propagation
                        
                            Carissa spinarum is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken in the spring and rooted in a light, sandy soil mix. The plant prefers full sun and should be protected from strong winds.                        
                     
                                                    
                        Where to Find Carissa spinarum
                        
                            Carissa spinarum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.                        
                     
                
                                    
                        Carissa spinarum FAQ
                        
                            What is the scientific name of Carissa spinarum?
Carissa spinarum
What is the common name of Carissa spinarum?
Spiny Carissa
What is the natural habitat of Carissa spinarum?
It is found in dry, rocky areas and in disturbed habitats.
                          
                     
                
                                    
                        Species in the Carissa genus
                        
                     
                                                    
                        Species in the Apocynaceae family
                        
                            Acokanthera laevigata, 
Acokanthera oblongifolia, 
Acokanthera oppositifolia, 
Acokanthera rotundata, 
Acokanthera schimperi, 
Adenium boehmianum, 
Adenium multiflorum, 
Adenium obesum, 
Adenium oleifolium, 
Adenium swazicum, 
Adenium dhofarense, 
Aganosma breviloba, 
Aganosma cymosa, 
Aganosma gracilis, 
Aganosma lacei, 
Aganosma petelotii, 
Aganosma schlechteriana, 
Aganosma siamensis, 
Aganosma wallichii, 
Aganosma heynei, 
Alafia alba, 
Alafia barteri, 
Alafia benthamii, 
Alafia berrieri, 
Alafia calophylla, 
Alafia caudata, 
Alafia erythrophthalma, 
Alafia falcata, 
Alafia fuscata, 
Alafia insularis, 
Alafia intermedia, 
Alafia landolphioides, 
Alafia lucida, 
Alafia microstylis, 
Alafia multiflora, 
Alafia nigrescens, 
Alafia orientalis, 
Alafia parciflora, 
Alafia pauciflora, 
Alafia perrieri, 
Alafia schumannii, 
Alafia thouarsii, 
Alafia vallium, 
Alafia verschuereni, 
Alafia whytei, 
Alafia zambesiaca, 
Allamanda calcicola, 
Allamanda angustifolia, 
Allamanda blanchetii, 
Allamanda cathartica,