I am a tropical shrub producing sweet karonda fruits.

Native to India and Southeast Asia; cultivated widely in tropical regions.

Water weekly; drought-tolerant once mature.

Requires full sun to partial shade.

Thrives in 22–35°C; sensitive to frost.

Plant in sandy-loam soil; spacing 2–3 meters apart.

Apply compost and NPK 8:10:10 every 2–3 months.

Botanical name: Carissa carandas (sweet cultivar); Family: Apocynaceae.

Fruits safe; leaves and latex may irritate pets.

Moderate; dense foliage reduces dust.

Fruits rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants; eaten fresh, juiced, or in desserts.

Susceptible to fruit fly, leaf spot, and mealybugs; prune for airflow and monitor regularly.

Can live 20–25 years; starts fruiting in 2–3 years; peak yield from year 8 onward.