Florida gooseberry, Tropical apricot, Florida apricot
Dovyalis abyssinica x Dovyalis hebecarpa
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A natural hybrid between Diospyros abyssinica x Dovyalis hebecarpa. A large spreading shrub. It grows 7 m high. The branches are long and drooping. It has few thorns. The leaves are deep green and densely grouped together. They are 7.5-10 cm long. The flowers are greenish-yellow. They are small and have no petals. The male flowers have long yellow stamens. The fruit are round and 3 cm across. The flesh is yellow-orange to deep red.
There are about 22 Dovyalis species. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows best in full sun. It will grow near seasides. It can be damaged by strong frosts. They can grow on a range of soils with a range of pH values.
Countries/locations it is found in
Brazil, North America, South America, USA
How it is used for food
Fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also used for jellies, jams, pies and drinks.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants grown from seed are very variable. Plants can be grown from hardwood cuttings and should be treated with rooting hormones. Plants can be grown by air-layering.
Trees can grow quickly. Plants are self fertile. Trees fruit in 4-5 years when grown from seeds. They fruit in 2 years when grown from cuttings. Fruit mature in 30-40 days. Fruit are harvested when fully ripe and starting to soften. Fruit do not store well.
Its other names
Local names
Groselha-hibrida