Articles
Visual observations in hedge planting of the African plum, amanthungulu, as an alternative nutritional food source to enhance food security in urban areas
Article number
1429_40
Pages
325 – 334
Language
English
Abstract
There is insurmountable evidence on the functions of hedges and hedgerows for humans and animals in urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes.
In addition to demarcating boundaries, providing privacy, acting as wind barriers, and reducing air and water pollution, hedge plants could support recent trends in declining freshwater resources and nutritional food insecurity in a changing climate. Carissa macrocarpa is a well-adapted and versatile South African subtropical shrub more commonly known for its ornamental horticultural value, traditional medicinal usage, and as a food source for humans and wildlife.
In addition to being acknowledged as an edible food source due to the species’ ideal fruit form and size, several phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely documented.
Commercially, Carissa boasts huge potential for new food and beverage products with high nutritional values for local and international markets.
Observation studies captured visual and technological data by witnessing firsthand plant performance and maintenance responses in urban and natural settings.
Addressing practical concerns related to usage and maintenance could maximise the species’ potential as an urban hedge plant and food security resource.
A complete understanding of the plant’s cultivation requirements, drought tolerance, adaptability, and maintenance can enhance the environmental and social benefits of the species.
This paper investigates C. macrocarpa’s functional characteristics and maintenance required to deliver multiple environmental and social benefits of fruiting hedging.
In addition to demarcating boundaries, providing privacy, acting as wind barriers, and reducing air and water pollution, hedge plants could support recent trends in declining freshwater resources and nutritional food insecurity in a changing climate. Carissa macrocarpa is a well-adapted and versatile South African subtropical shrub more commonly known for its ornamental horticultural value, traditional medicinal usage, and as a food source for humans and wildlife.
In addition to being acknowledged as an edible food source due to the species’ ideal fruit form and size, several phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely documented.
Commercially, Carissa boasts huge potential for new food and beverage products with high nutritional values for local and international markets.
Observation studies captured visual and technological data by witnessing firsthand plant performance and maintenance responses in urban and natural settings.
Addressing practical concerns related to usage and maintenance could maximise the species’ potential as an urban hedge plant and food security resource.
A complete understanding of the plant’s cultivation requirements, drought tolerance, adaptability, and maintenance can enhance the environmental and social benefits of the species.
This paper investigates C. macrocarpa’s functional characteristics and maintenance required to deliver multiple environmental and social benefits of fruiting hedging.
Authors
C.P. Laubscher, C.M. Wilmot, M.O. Jimoh
Keywords
Apocynaceae, climate-resilient, edible berries, food security, underutilised wild crops
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