Wild apricot, Dune dovyalis
Dovyalis rotundifolia

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree 3-6 m high. The stem can be 30 cm across. The leaves are dark glossy green. The leaves are simple and alternate. They have short stalks. Leaves are 1.3-4 cm long and 0.8-2.5 cm wide. There are spines up to 5 cm long in the axils of leaves. The flowers are male and female on separate plants. They are small and pale yellow. A few flowers occur in a cluster. Flowers often grow on old wood. The fruit is oval and has a small point at the tip. They are 1.3 cm long and fleshy. They are bright red. There are usually 2 seeds. The fruit are edible.

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

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows near the coast often nears dunes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten or used for preserves.

The fruit have a good flavour.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Celastrus rotundifolius Thunb.; Dovyalis celastroides Sond.; Prockia rotundifolia Eckl. & Zeyh.;