Dovyalis hebecarpa
| Scientific name | Dovyalis hebecarpa [1] |
|---|---|
| Common names | Ketembilla; Ceylon gooseberry [2] |
| Genus | Dovyalis |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Growth form | Evergreen, spiny shrub or small tree [3] |
| Native range | Sri Lanka; lowland humid woodland thickets [3] |
| Mature size | About 4–7 m, with larger specimens reported to about 6 m [3] |
| Climate/site | Hot, humid lowland tropics; full sun or light shade [4] |
| Propagation | Seed; layering; grafting or shield-budding for selected forms [3] |
| Fruit | Maroon-purple, velvety, juicy fruit about 25 mm across [5] |
| Harvest | Usually two crops per year in favorable cultivation [3] |
| Years to fruit | About 4–5 years from seed [3] |
|
Dovyalis hebecarpa is an evergreen, thorny fruit shrub or small tree in the family Salicaceae. It is native to Sri Lanka and is cultivated in humid tropical and warm subtropical gardens for its tart, gooseberry-like fruit. The names Ketembilla and Ceylon gooseberry are used for the species. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant forms a many-branched crown and commonly reaches about 4–7 m. Branches are spiny, and the foliage remains evergreen in warm conditions. It is dioecious: male and female plants are separate, so a fruiting planting needs both sexes. One male can pollinate multiple female plants, but the useful ratio varies with flowering overlap and local pollinator activity. [3]
The species is accepted in the GBIF backbone as Dovyalis hebecarpa and is placed in Dovyalis, Salicaceae, and Malpighiales. [1] Its native setting is lowland humid woodland thickets in Sri Lanka rather than a seasonally cold habitat. [3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
In its native humid lowland setting, the plant has regular access to moisture. In cultivation it grows across a wide range of soils, with best growth in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. A soil reaction around pH 6.5–7.5 is suitable; reported tolerance extends approximately from pH 5.8 to 8.0. Keep the root zone evenly supplied with water while maintaining drainage rather than allowing prolonged stagnant wetness. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun is preferred, although light shade is tolerated. The species is adapted to hot, humid lowland conditions; good airflow is useful where dense foliage and frequent rain keep leaves wet. A sheltered warm site is more appropriate than an exposed cool position. [4]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Growth and fruiting are best in warm weather. A mean annual rainfall around 1,100–1,800 mm is described as favorable, with a broader tolerance reported from about 800–4,000 mm when drainage and establishment are adequate. Reduce irrigation during a dry season only enough to avoid severe water stress. Mature plants can be killed at about −3 °C or below, while young growth may be badly damaged near −1 °C; protect plants from frost and cold wind. [4]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Sow fresh seed in individual pots and keep the medium warm and moderately moist. Layering is also used. Graft or shield-bud desirable fruiting forms onto seedling rootstocks when clonal reproduction is important. Seed-grown plants may require about 4–5 years to begin bearing, and sex cannot be assumed from seedling growth, so plant several seedlings or use identified male and female material. [3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Separate male and female plants are required for fruit production. Flowering overlap and pollinator activity determine whether a particular planting sets fruit. Under favorable conditions, two crops per year are usual. Harvest the round fruits when they have developed their characteristic maroon-purple color and are fully juicy; handle them gently because the skin is velvety and soft. [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is about 25 mm in diameter, maroon-purple, velvety, and filled with purple juicy pulp. Flavor can range from acidic to sweet and is described as similar to a gooseberry. Sweeter fruit may be eaten out of hand; acidic fruit is commonly cooked into jams, jellies, and preserves. [5] Fruit is harvested from wild plants and the species is also cultivated locally in humid tropical areas. [3]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Ceylon Gooseberries Fruits at FernandezFarm in Florida.jpg: subject is Dovyalis hebecarpa fruiting at FernandezFarm in Florida; creator DRSHAGGY151; CC BY-SA 4.0; file page; SHA-1 481e967fd2e60dd5d3e0b41da492246de536784b.
- Dovyalis hebecarpa in Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse 01.jpg: subject is Dovyalis hebecarpa at the Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse; creator Krzysztof Golik; CC BY-SA 4.0; file page; SHA-1 2daf7ada44a3c44e1ad7b95a0a927c81d286f6f8.
- Dovyalis hebecarpa in Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse 02.jpg: subject is Dovyalis hebecarpa at the Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse; creator Krzysztof Golik; CC BY-SA 4.0; file page; SHA-1 5d7daa9794ec9efd520f3550898be268313834fe.
