Bristly dovyalis, Bristly sourberry
Dovyalis hispidula
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-4 m tall. The bark is grey. There are usually many spines at the base. The spines in the axils of the leaves can be 7-8 cm long. The leaves are small and oval They are 0.8-3.5 cm long by 0.6-2.3 cm wide. The are dull green and hairy. The flowers are small and green. They occur in the axils of leaves. They can be single or in clusters of 2-4. The fruit are almost round and fleshy. They are 1-2 cm across. They are bright red when mature.
There are about 22 Dovyalis species. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows at low altitude in mixed woodland. It can grow in arid places. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Mutumbo-tumbo, Taperaje