Karonda (Carissa carandas L.): A review on its varietal wealth, production and diversified uses in India

India enjoys tremendous diversity of fruit crops from temperate to tropical regions. The country is also home to many fruit crops including several underutilized and minor fruit crops. The minor fruits, besides being hardy, are often termed as ‘protective food’ because they can reduce the risk of over dependency on major fruit crops, preserving dietary diversity. Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) is one of them which has gained recognition for its nutritional advantages, therapeutic qualities and potential for diversified applications. Morphologically, the plant exhibits a dense, spinous branching habit with a characteristic Y-shaped branch structure. Leaves are opposite, glossy green on the upper surface and oblong to ovate in shape. The plant produces fragrant white flowers in small terminal clusters, primarily blooming from March to April, with fruit maturation occurring from August to September. Cytogenetic and phenological studies, including the use of the extended BBCH scale, have identified distinct growth stages across key developmental phases like bud, shoot, inflorescence and fruit maturity. These insights, along with knowledge of pollination dynamics, agronomic practices and use of modern breeding tools, are crucial for optimizing crop management and productivity in Karonda cultivation. This review explores advancements in cultivation, production and the broadened uses of karonda in India.