Carissa is a genus of shrubs or small trees native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia and Asia.

[6] In its native range, the ripened fruits of C. macrocarpa are especially relished by local peoples, eaten raw or used to make jelly, sweets or candies.

[citation needed] Numerous species of birds and mammals, and some herbivorous reptiles, are drawn to the vivid red Carissa fruits, consuming them and distributing the seed.

Carissa carandas is cultivated in several Asiatic countries for its fruit, which is variously used in cooking, confectionaries and in folk medicine (see article).

Carissa species generally respond well to gardening and are valued in topiary and in forming strong, dense, decorative, thorny, flowering hedges.