Ceylon gooseberry
Dovyalis hebecarpa

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A large shrub. It grows 5-7 m high. It has many branches. There are long sharp spines on young plants. The leaves are velvety and pale green. They are 10 cm long. They have a wavy uneven surface. The stalks and veins are red. Plants are separately male and female. The flowers are green. They are in the axils of leaves. The fruit is small, dark purple and sour. They are 2 cm across. The skin is brown and velvety when ripe. The pulp is deep red and acidic.

There are about 22 Dovyalis species. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the tropical lowlands. It is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is a tropical plant. Plants can tolerate both dry and wet soils. Good moisture levels are important for good fruit development. It occurs naturally in Sri Lanka. It grows to 1,300 m above sea level. It does not do well in the humid tropics. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, India (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin), St Lucia, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh but are acidic. They are used in drinks and preserves. They make good jam. They are used to flavour meat and fish.

It is a cultivated fruit tree.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown from cuttings. Because trees are male or female it is often best to graft buds of appropriate male and female trees onto the one rootstock.

Plants can grow very quickly under ideal conditions. Both male and female trees are needed. Trees produce large quantities of fruit. Trees can produce several crops throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Aberia, Ceylon plum, Groselha-do-ceilao, Jung-pung,Ketembilla, Kitambilla, Kitembilla, Naywe-po, Pohon beri seilon, Quetembilla

Synonyms

Aberia gardneri Clos; Rumea hebecarpa Gardner;