Tag: Natal plum

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, Carissa shrubs are known for their dense foliage and fragrant flowers. While the ripe, colorful berries of some species are edible, the rest of the plant and unripe fruit are toxic, making it crucial to know the risks before you eat Carissa fruit.

While the ripe, crimson fruit of the Natal plum (*Carissa macrocarpa*) is edible and rich in Vitamin C, nearly every other part of the plant is toxic. Understanding the potential side effects of Natal plums is crucial for safe consumption and handling, especially given its relationship to the highly poisonous oleander plant.

While the flesh of true wild plums from the *Prunus* genus is edible, their pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release harmful cyanide when chewed or crushed. This knowledge is crucial for anyone interested in adding foraged fruit to their diet and must be addressed when asking, 'Are any wild plums poisonous?'