Dovyalis hebecarpa

Dovyalis hebecarpa Details

Dovyalis hebecarpa, commonly known as Ceylon Gooseberry or Ketembilla produces interesting, edible fruits. It grows as a small tree with dark green leaves that often has thorns. The branches hang downwards and bear small, green-yellow flowers that result in black-skinned fruit in summer. The flesh is usually sour with a distinctive apricot-like flavour. It grows to about 5 m tall and the same wide and can be trimmed as necessary. This tree grows best on a well-drained, sheltered site in full sun. It is frost tender so should only be grown in frost free environments. Dovyalis hebecarpa is commonly used in tropical gardens, grown specifically for the fruit, or add into a mixed planting.