Carissa carandas

Name and publication

Carissa carandas L., Mant. Pl. 1: 52. (1767).

Description

Known as “Krishna leaves” in the potpourri trade, the leaves of karanda are broadly ovate to oblong, 3-7 cm long x 1.5-4 cm wide, base broadly cuneate to rounded, apex short apiculate. The lateral veins are 8 pairs, ascending, convergent, anastomosing near margin.

Nativity and distribution

Carissa carandas is native to China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malaysia but cultivated in the tropics for its edible fruit, sometimes used in beverages.

Family

Apocynaceae