Carissa carandas

Carissa carandas, commonly known as Karanda or Bengal currant, is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Native to India and Southeast Asia, it is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its edible fruit. The plant typically grows up to 3 meters in height and features glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped with pointed tips. Its flowers are small, white or pinkish, and emit a sweet fragrance. The fruit of Carissa carandas is round or oval-shaped, measures about 2-3 cm in diameter, and has a thin skin that turns from green to red when ripe. Though it has a sour taste, the fruit can be eaten raw or used to make jams, jellies, pickles, and chutneys. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering intervals during the winter months. Carissa carandas also has medicinal properties. Its leaves contain alkaloids with anti-inflammatory effects, while its bark contains tannins with antiseptic properties useful for treating wounds. Overall, the Carissa carandas plant serves both culinary and medicinal purposes, making it a valuable addition to any garden!

Characteristics

Plant Type

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Carissa

Family

Apocynaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-12

Mature Height

1.83 m to 4.57 m

Mature Spread

91 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

2.54 cm to 5.08 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn

Harvest Time

All year round

Native Area

Congo (DRC), Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe

Tags (6)

Common Names (11)