Carissa spinarum, commonly known as the Karanda or Bengal currant, is a thorny shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, the plant can grow up to 3 meters in height. It features glossy green leaves that are oval-shaped with pointed tips. The flowers are small, white or pink, and possess a sweet fragrance.
The fruit of Carissa spinarum is edible and has a sour taste similar to cranberries. It is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and for treating digestive disorders such as diarrhea.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Propagation is possible through seeds or stem cuttings.
Carissa spinarum has ornamental value due to its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful fruit, making it suitable for landscaping purposes. However, it should be handled with care because of its thorny nature, which also makes it an effective barrier plant against intruders.
Overall, Carissa spinarum is an intriguing shrub that offers both ornamental and medicinal benefits, making it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape design project.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Carissa
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10
- Mature Height
- 1.83 m to 2.44 m
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Somalia, Egypt, India, Burkina Faso, Angola, Namibia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Pakistan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Benin, Indonesia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Burundi, Mozambique, Oman, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Congo, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Central African Republic, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Guinea, Chad, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Togo, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo (DRC), Thailand
Other names.
