Carissa is a genus of evergreen, often spiny shrubs and scrambling vines in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), comprising around 20 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia. Renowned for their glossy, opposite leaves and fragrant, star‑shaped white flowers, Carissa species also produce smooth, cherry‑like berries—some varieties yielding sweet, edible fruit prized in jams and preserves. Beyond their ornamental appeal in hedges and container plantings, many Carissa have traditional uses: their latex and bark feature in folk medicine, while their dense growth habit makes them ideal for wildlife‑friendly shelter and barriers in water‑wise gardens. With their blend of beauty, resilience and practical value, Carissa shrubs bring both ecological and cultural richness to landscapes around the world.

Discover Carissa spinarum, synonymously known as Azima pubescens or Carissa edulis, a resilient shrub of the dogbane family celebrated across continents for its multifaceted value. Often called the conkerberry or bush plum in Africa, currant bush or native currant in Australia, and wild karanda in India, this multi‑stemmed plant carries glossy, ovate leaves and fragrant, star‑shaped blooms that give way to clusters of sweet, dark purple‑black berries enjoyed fresh or transformed into preserves by indigenous communities. Thriving in semiarid coastal plains, clay‑loam soils or along riverbanks throughout tropical Africa, Southern Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean islands, Carissa spinarum adapts readily to a wide range of habitats.

Its ripe fruits are prized in Australian bush tucker traditions, while unripe berries and milky sap remain toxic—a classic Apocynaceae trait—so harvest only when fully ripe to enjoy their pleasant sweetness and nutritional benefits. Beyond its culinary appeal, local healers in East Africa value root and leaf extracts for easing joint and muscle pain, and modern studies have highlighted antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in its fruit extracts. Wildlife also relies on Carissa spinarum: birds feast on its berries and butterflies and moths use its foliage as a larval food source.

Formidable thorns, measuring up to 3 cm, make this species an excellent living fence; its dense, thorny thickets discourage pests and offer refuge to small animals, making it ideal for both security hedges and habitat restoration. Whether you seek a productive food shrub, a natural barrier, or a magnet for wildlife, planting Carissa spinarum from seed invites a living legacy of ecological balance and cultural heritage into your garden. Order your premium seeds today and cultivate the storied beauty and utility of this extraordinary species.