| Botanical Name: Carissa ovata. |  Image - Carissa ovata - foliage & flower - BRAIN © 2003. |
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| Common Name: Current bush. | ||
| Distribution: From WA, NT, Qld and Northern NSW. | ||
| Habitat: Grows in complex microphyll forest with Araucaria emergents. | ||
| Form: Medium to large shrub or small tree to 7m. In cultivation to 2m. | ||
| Leaves: | ||
| Flower: White clusters of tubular flowers. Summer. | ||
| Fruit: Black, small ovoid fruit. Ripe Mar - May. | ||
| Garden Use: Useful shrub for attracting small birds. Very fragrant flowers. Grows in heavy shade. | ||
| Edible?: Yes. | ||
| Propagation: From fresh seed, removed from the flesh. Germination occurs after 3 months. | ||
| Comments: Aborigines used the oily sap as a liniment for rheumatism. They also ate the fruit, which has a sweet edible flesh (unusual for this family which contains many poisonous plants, such as the oleander). | ||
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