Dovyalis rhamnoides
| Dovyalis rhamnoides | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dovyalis rhamnoides [1] |
| Genus | Dovyalis |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Habit | Evergreen spiny shrub or small tree, 1–7 m high [2] |
| Fruit | Red, oval fruit produced by female plants [2] |
Dovyalis rhamnoides is an evergreen, spiny shrub or small tree from southern Africa. It is dioecious, with male and female plants separate; fruit is produced on female plants, and fruiting is not annual. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant is reported at 1–7 m in height and occurs in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eswatini and the Western Cape. Its recorded settings include bushveld, forest margins and riverine environments, where well-drained soil is characteristic. [2]
Its spines and separate sexes matter when choosing a planting position. A female plant alone may not provide fruit; a fruiting planting should account for the presence of both sexes. This is a practical implication of the species' dioecy rather than a quantified pollination recommendation. [2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Use a well-drained planting site. The species is associated with bushveld, forest margins and riverine environments, and the available cultivation account specifically recommends well-drained soil. Treat free drainage as the starting requirement even where the native setting is riverine. [2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
A sunny or semi-shaded position is suitable starting guidance. Choose the exposure that suits the site while preserving the well-drained conditions associated with the species. [2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species is evergreen, but fruiting is not reported every year. Seed propagation is associated with October–February, so propagation planning should take account of that seasonal window rather than assuming an annual fruiting cycle. [2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagation uses seed and soft cuttings. Seed work is associated with October–February. Keep the sex and provenance of plants identified when fruit production is the goal, because separate male and female plants are required for a fruiting planting. [2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Male and female plants are separate, and red oval fruit is produced by female plants. Fruiting is not annual. [2]
A fruiting planting should retain a suitable male plant near female plants. The need for both sexes is a direct implication of dioecy. [2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is described as edible and is used for jam, jelly, preserves, vinegar and brandy. [2]
The red, oval fruit and the plant's spines make careful handling sensible during harvest. [2]