Abyssinian Gooseberry
Dovyalis abyssinica

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

Dovyalis abyssinica or commonly known as Abyssinian Gooseberry is an evergreen, dioecious, spiny shrub or small tree with a rounded crown. It reaches about 6-10 m in height with trunk diameter of about 20 cm. It can be found in highland forests in Eastern Africa. The leaves are oval and slender, with wavy or jagged edges. The edible fruit is small, round, and orange in colour. It has a thin, tender skin and a juicy flesh. Roots and stems can as well be eaten in tonic soup. The wood is hard and suitable for tool handles, spoons, and bedsteads. It can also be used for fuel. Abyssinian gooseberry can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Dovyalis abyssinica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Highland forest over 1,800 metres. Rain-forest to riparian forest and scrub; dry evergreen forest; sometimes in open wooded grassland; semi-evergreen or deciduous bushland; rocky limestone slopes; at elevations from 600 - 3,050 metres.

Eastern Africa - Ethiopia and Somalia, south to Malawi and Mozambique.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Kenya; Ethiopia; Malawi; Uganda; South Sudan; Somalia; Tanzania, United Republic of; Yemen, Africa, Cuba, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Socotra, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has a thin, tender skin and a juicy melting flesh with an aroma and flavour faintly suggestive of apricots. When fully ripe it makes a very agreeable jelly. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter. Roots and stems are eaten in a tonic soup.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the liquid taken as a treatment for indigestion. The roots are used for treating indigestion and VD.

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: The wood is hard. It is used for tool handles, spoons and bedsteads. The wood is used for fuel.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

A plant of the hot, dry, tropics, though it also succeeds in areas of higher rainfall. Grows best in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Dislikes calcareous soils. Plants begin bearing when about 4 - 5 years old from seed. Dioecious - both male and female plants must be grown if fruit is required. One male is sufficient for about 30 female plants.

Propagating it: Seed - Layering. Graft or shield-bud desirable varieties on to seedling rootstocks.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Abyssinian gooseberry, Akudho, Ankakute, Gibin, Kimukiet, Kinokuet, Koshim, Koshum, Kudah, Limoro, Mahhahhari, Mbuchi, Mmango, Mnzuyuyu, Msambwa, Muirungi, Mukambura, Mundariwa, Mundililwa, Nokok, Nukchat, Ol-morogi, Ongolatz, Sangana, Songla, Songola,

Synonyms

Aberia abyssinica (A.Rich.) Clos Dovyalis engleri Gilg Flacourtia obtusata Hochst. ex A.Rich. Hydnoc