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Natal Plum
Carissa grandiflora · Apocynaceae
How it looks
Natal Plum (Carissa) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, thick, leathery oval leaves and large thorns on the branches. It bears fragrant white star-shaped flowers and round to oval red or purple fruit, reaching 3-10 ft (1-3 m) tall.
Natal Plum is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Carissa grandiflora
- Common name
- Natal Plum
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Apocynaceae
Other safe flowers
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