Krohn Conservatory Bonsai #3 - Natal Plum
Scientific Name:
- carissa grandiflora
Species
- Natal Plum
Type of Tree
Bonsai Style:
Bonsai Tree Size:
This Natal Plum was donated by longtime Bonsai Society members Mary and Joe Kayata in 1996. It is semi-cascade style.
The pot is a hexagonal, two-tone brown orchid pot and is 12 inches deep.
Natal Plum is an easy-to-grow spiny evergreen, perennial shrub with dense leathery green leaves, fragrant white flowers and showy edible red fruits. It is typically small, at 5 to 7 feet tall, but can reach a height of 30 feet. It is a native plant of Kenya and South Africa but has been introduced to Florida, Texas, and parts of southeast Asia. Because of its stout, forked 1/2-inch-long spines it can be used as a hedge, security screen or foundation planting. It can also be grown in a container that is brought indoors in the winter. It is tolerant of salt spray.
A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable land care.
Q. What do “circa” and “in training” mean?
A. The circa date is roughly the year when the tree sprouted from its seed. The in training date is the year that it started being “trained” as a bonsai, which is to direct the growth of the tree usually by bending, pruning, and wiring its branches into a desired direction or shape.
Natal Plums can be susceptible to mealy bugs and aphids. Treat with horticultural oil or malathion.