Citation: R. Br., Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl. 468 (1810).

Synonymy: Carissa brownii, Carissa spinarum

Common name: Conker (or conkle) berry.

Description:
Much-branched shrub 1.2-3 m high, pubescent on the youngest parts and calyx or glabrous throughout; spines straight, 3-15 mm long, rarely absent; leaves narrow-elliptic, flat, usually acute, dull, 15-40 x 3-6 mm, midvein prominent, other veins often inconspicuous.

Inflorescences few-flowered, peduncles c. 0.5 mm long but lengthening in fruit; calyx 1.5-2.5 mm long, the lobes lanceolate or subulate, erect; corolla tube contracted just above the middle and again towards the base, 5-7 mmlong, lobes 1.5-2.5 mm long; stamens included.

Drupe ovoid or ellipsoid, 5-9 mm long, red at first but becoming blackish, with 1 or 2 seeds.

Distribution:  S.Aust.: LE. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Jan. — Feb. but probably in most months.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: Wilson in Jessop (1981), Flora of central Australia, reported that the fruits are believed to be edible but that the plant may be poisonous to stock. She considered that this may be better treated as a subspecies of C. ovata R. Br.

Author: Not yet available