Climbing Num Num Live Plant (Carissa spinarum): A Trending Cherry-Like Exotic for Modern Gardens
Description:
Discover the Climbing Num Num (Carissa spinarum), a trending fruit plant with cherry-like sweet fruits, traditional medicinal value, and ornamental appeal. Perfect for tropical and subtropical gardens.
Introduction: A Rising Star in Exotic Gardens
The world of rare fruit plants is expanding, and one name gaining attention among trending plants is the Climbing Num Num (Carissa spinarum). With its dark purple, cherry-like fruits, this evergreen shrub is winning the hearts of both plant lovers and culinary enthusiasts.
Native to Africa, Asia, Arabia, and Australia, the Climbing Num Num has a long history as a wild-foraged fruit and medicinal plant, and today it is becoming a favorite addition to home gardens and cherry live plant collections. Its combination of sweet taste, hardy nature, and health benefits makes it a plant worth celebrating.
Plant Characteristics
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Botanical Name: Carissa spinarum
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Common Names: Climbing Num Num, Wild Num Num, Carrisse, Bush Plum, Conkerberry, Amatungulu.
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Growth Habit: Spiny evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 1–5.5 m in height.
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Bloom/Fruiting: Starts producing within 2–3 years.
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Maintenance Level: Moderate; hardy and drought-tolerant.
Cherry-Like Fruits: Taste and Appeal
The fruits of the Climbing Num Num resemble mini cherries in size, shape, and sweetness, making them ideal for fruit enthusiasts who enjoy berry-like plants.
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Appearance: Small, rounded berries that ripen into a rich dark purple.
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Flavor: Sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy, comparable to a mix of cherry and plum.
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Uses: Best eaten fresh, but also processed into jams, preserves, chutneys, juices, and even vinegar.
Its versatility in flavor and pleasant aroma make it a cherished seasonal fruit that appeals to both traditional and modern kitchens.
Health Benefits of Climbing Num Num
The fruit may be small in size, but it packs a nutritional punch:
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Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and strengthens skin health.
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Bone Support: Contains calcium and iron, aiding bone and blood health.
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Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and supports heart health.
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Digestive Aid: High in fiber, ensuring smooth digestion.
Regular consumption of Num Num fruits adds natural sweetness to the diet while enhancing overall wellness.
Culinary Benefits
One reason for its trending popularity is its kitchen versatility:
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Fresh eating as a natural snack.
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Jams, jellies, and spreads with a tangy twist.
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Fruit vinegar through fermentation.
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A delightful ingredient in desserts, pastries, and smoothies.
Its cherry-like appeal makes it a fruit that easily fits into both traditional recipes and modern gourmet dishes.
Traditional and Medicinal Importance
For centuries, communities across Africa and Asia have valued Carissa spinarum as more than just a fruit plant:
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Roots & Bark: Used in traditional remedies for fever, stomach issues, and respiratory conditions.
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Leaves: Applied to treat skin ailments.
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Fruit: Consumed to boost strength, energy, and digestion.
This rich folk medicinal background adds cultural depth to its cultivation today.
Why It’s Trending in Modern Gardens
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Cherry Alternative: A unique exotic fruit that mimics cherries in flavor and look.
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Low Maintenance: Thrives in challenging climates and requires minimal care.
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Dual Purpose: Functions as a fruit source and an ornamental hedge with its thorny, protective growth.
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Eco-Friendly: Supports biodiversity by offering food for birds and pollinators.
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Exotic Appeal: Rare to find in nurseries, making it a prized collector’s plant.
Conclusion: A Must-Have for Cherry Plant Lovers
The Climbing Num Num Live Plant is more than just another exotic—it is a hardy, versatile, and trending addition to gardens worldwide. Its cherry-like fruits, combined with medicinal heritage and ornamental beauty, make it a standout plant for any tropical or subtropical garden.
At Veliyath Gardens, we are delighted to offer this remarkable fruit plant to our customers. Whether you’re building your cherry live plant collection or seeking a rare fruiting shrub with cultural significance, the Climbing Num Num is a perfect choice.