Desert Star (Carissa macrocarpa), also known as Natal Plum, is a hardy, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and star-shaped white flowers. It typically grows to around 1–2 m in height with a similar spread, making it suitable for hedging, screening, or feature planting. Flowering mainly in spring and summer, the blooms are followed by attractive red, plum-like fruit. Desert Star prefers full sun to part shade, tolerates coastal conditions, and requires low to moderate water once established in well-drained soil. Carissa macrocarpa is native to southern Africa and is well suited to low-maintenance gardens.
Description
Desert Star (Carissa macrocarpa), also known as Natal Plum, is a hardy, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and star-shaped white flowers. It typically grows to around 1–2 m in height with a similar spread, making it suitable for hedging, screening, or feature planting. Flowering mainly in spring and summer, the blooms are followed by attractive red, plum-like fruit. Desert Star prefers full sun to part shade, tolerates coastal conditions, and requires low to moderate water once established in well-drained soil. Carissa macrocarpa is native to southern Africa and is well suited to low-maintenance gardens.
