Carissa haematocarpa
(Eckl.) A DC.
Karoo num-num, Black num-num
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(c) Marie Delport, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Marie Delport
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(c) Joti Daya, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joti Daya
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Joti Daya, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joti Daya
Summary
Source: WikipediaCarissa haematocarpa is a plant species in the form of a densely branched, spiny shrub or small tree, commonly known as Karoo num-num or Karoo noem-noem. This species is endemic to the dry savanna regions of southern Africa, including southern Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Description
A bush or small tree. It can be 3.5 m tall. The crown is dense and round with many branches. The young branches are green and flexible. The shoots have a pair of spines at their ends. The leaves are in opposite pairs. The pairs are at right angles to each other along the twig. Leaves are 1.5-2.8 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are usually widest at the base and tapering slightly to the point. They are shiny dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are small and white. They are shaped like tubes in short heads at the ends of twigs. The fruit are round berries. They are 0.6-1 cm long and black or purple when ripe. There are one or two seeds.
Edible Uses
The round black or purple berries are eaten, especially by children, and leave a bluish stain on the lips.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten. They leave a bluish stain on the lips.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A subtropical plant. It occurs in dry bush.
Where It Grows
Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Production
Trees are slow growing. They can take 40 years to get 60 cm high in harsh settings.
Other Information
They are eaten especially by children.
Notes
There about 20-37 Carissa species. All Carissa species bear edible fruit. They grow in the tropics and subtropics.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 68.7 | — | — | — | — | 18.4 | — | — |
Synonyms
References (6)
- Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 90
- INFOODS:FAO/INFOODS Databases
- Palgrave, K.C., 1996, Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers. p 783
- Palmer, E and Pitman, N., 1972, Trees of Southern Africa. Vol. 2. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town p1903
- Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 57
Show all 6 references Hide references
- van Wyk, Be, & Gericke, N., 2007, People's plants. A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa. Briza. p 36
