Amatungulu (Natal Plum): A Thorny Beauty for Warm Climate Gardens
Meet the amatungulu, better known to many gardeners as the Natal plum—a plant that’s as intriguing as its name suggests! This thorny charmer from South Africa has found its way into American gardens, particularly in the warmest corners of our country. While it’s not native to the United States, Carissa macrocarpa has established itself as a reliable performer in challenging growing conditions.
What Exactly Is Amatungulu?
Amatungulu is a perennial, woody plant that typically grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 13 to 16 feet or more under ideal conditions. Don’t let the exotic name intimidate you—this plant is surprisingly straightforward to grow once you understand its needs. The botanical name Carissa macrocarpa might also appear as Carissa grandiflora in older gardening references, so don’t be confused if you see both names floating around.
Where Does It Come From and Where Does It Grow Now?
Originally hailing from the coastal regions of South Africa, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, amatungulu has adapted well to similar climates in the United States. You’ll find it thriving in Florida, Texas, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. It’s a non-native species that has naturalized in these areas, reproducing on its own without human intervention.
The Good, The Beautiful, and The Practical
So why might you want to invite this South African native into your garden? Amatungulu offers a delightful package of benefits:
- Fragrant white flowers: Star-shaped blooms appear throughout the growing season, filling your garden with sweet perfume
- Glossy foliage: Dark green leaves provide year-round visual interest
- Edible fruit: Red, plum-like fruits are not only attractive but also edible (though watch out for those thorns when harvesting!)
- Natural security: Sharp thorns make it an excellent choice for barrier plantings
- Pollinator magnet: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects love the flowers
Perfect Spots for Amatungulu
This adaptable plant shines in several landscape roles. It’s particularly well-suited for coastal gardens where salt tolerance is crucial, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and anywhere you need a reliable hedge or privacy screen. The thorny nature makes it perfect for security plantings under windows or along property boundaries—just remember to plant it where people (and pets) won’t accidentally brush against it!
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
Amatungulu is refreshingly low-maintenance once established. Here’s what it prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (more sun typically means more flowers and fruit)
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential—it’s quite forgiving about soil types as long as water doesn’t sit around the roots
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, making it perfect for water-wise gardens
- Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11
- Salt tolerance: Excellent choice for coastal properties
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your amatungulu off to a good start is straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost danger has passed
- Space plants 4-6 feet apart for hedging, or give single specimens plenty of room to spread
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce frequency
- Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and size—this plant responds well to pruning
- Protect young plants from frost in marginal areas
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer
A Word About Native Alternatives
While amatungulu can be a valuable addition to appropriate gardens, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. In Florida, consider native options like firebush (Hamelia patens) or wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara). Texas gardeners might explore agarito (Mahonia trifoliolata) or fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica). These natives offer their own unique beauty while providing better support for local wildlife and requiring less water once established.
The Bottom Line
Amatungulu offers a unique combination of beauty, functionality, and resilience that can work well in warm climate gardens, especially in challenging coastal conditions. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered problematically invasive either. If you choose to grow it, you’ll be rewarded with fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, interesting fruit, and a plant that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Just remember to keep those thorns in mind when planning your garden layout!
Whether you call it amatungulu or Natal plum, this South African import has earned its place in American gardens through sheer reliability and charm. In the right spot, it might just become one of your garden’s most treasured performers.
