Carissa
Simple-spined Num-num
Carissa edulis
Eldoret, Rift Valley, Kenya, Africa. December 2012.
Pallid Emperor
These large, vividly marked caterpillars were abundant at Nyeri on this plant.
SHRUB: A medium to very large shrub with numerous, intricate branches.
Large specimens can reach 4+ m tall.
FLOWERS: The tubular flowers with five pinwheel-like lobes are dark pink
in bud, and white when open. Stamens and pistil are hidden in the tube.
LEAVES: Dark green leaves are smooth, the tip is drawn out into a narrow
point, and the margins are smooth.
ARMED: The long sharp thorns are sturdy and red-tipped.
FRUIT: Spherical fruit are tart and edible when ripe.
RANGE: Widespread in upland areas of Kenya.
This native shrub is also planted in landscapes and gardens. The stout thorns make it a good barrier hedge and the ripe fruit is edible. White-pink flowers and shiny green foliage make for an attractive plant. It has been used for medicinal purposes as well. Large numbers of emperor moth caterpillars were found on these shrubs near Nyeri.
Apocynaceae -- Dogbane Family
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