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2026-08-29T11:41:28Z

Publish fact-checked fruit article with verified media

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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; width:300px;"
|-
! Scientific name
| ''Dovyalis hebecarpa'' [[#cite_note-1|[1]]]
|-
! Common names
|| Ketembilla; Ceylon gooseberry [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Genus
| [[Dovyalis]]
|-
! Family
| [[Salicaceae]]
|-
! Order
| [[Malpighiales]]
|-
! Growth form
| Evergreen, spiny shrub or small tree [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! Native range
| Sri Lanka; lowland humid woodland thickets [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! Mature size
| About 4–7 m, with larger specimens reported to about 6 m [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! Climate/site
| Hot, humid lowland tropics; full sun or light shade [[#cite_note-4|[4]]]
|-
! Propagation
| Seed; layering; grafting or shield-budding for selected forms [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! Fruit
| Maroon-purple, velvety, juicy fruit about 25 mm across [[#cite_note-5|[5]]]
|-
! Harvest
| Usually two crops per year in favorable cultivation [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! Years to fruit
| About 4–5 years from seed [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|-
! [[File:Dovyalis hebecarpa in Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse 01.jpg|250px|Dovyalis hebecarpa in the Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse]]
|-
|}

'''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. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]

== Description ==

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. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

The species is accepted in the GBIF backbone as ''Dovyalis hebecarpa'' and is placed in Dovyalis, Salicaceae, and Malpighiales. [[#cite_note-1|[1]]] Its native setting is lowland humid woodland thickets in Sri Lanka rather than a seasonally cold habitat. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Cultivation ==

=== Soil and water ===

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. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

=== Sun and humidity ===

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. [[#cite_note-4|[4]]]

=== Seasonal changes ===

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. [[#cite_note-4|[4]]]

== Propagation ==

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. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==

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. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Fruit and uses ==

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. [[#cite_note-5|[5]]] Fruit is harvested from wild plants and the species is also cultivated locally in humid tropical areas. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Photos ==
[[File:Dovyalis hebecarpa in Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse 02.jpg|300px|Dovyalis hebecarpa in the Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse]]
[[File:Ceylon Gooseberries Fruits at FernandezFarm in Florida.jpg|300px|Ceylon gooseberries fruiting at FernandezFarm in Florida]]

== References ==

* [[#cite_ref-1|↑]] '''[1]''' [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/match?name=Dovyalis%20hebecarpa GBIF species match: Dovyalis hebecarpa].

* [[#cite_ref-2|↑]] '''[2]''' [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2874134/vernacularNames GBIF vernacular names: Dovyalis hebecarpa].

* [[#cite_ref-3|↑]] '''[3]''' [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dovyalis+hebecarpa Useful Tropical Plants: Dovyalis hebecarpa].

* [[#cite_ref-4|↑]] '''[4]''' [https://powo.science.kew.org/results?q=Dovyalis%20hebecarpa Plants of the World Online: Dovyalis hebecarpa].

* [[#cite_ref-5|↑]] '''[5]''' [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2874134 GBIF species record: Dovyalis hebecarpa].

== Image credits ==

* ''Ceylon Gooseberries Fruits at FernandezFarm in Florida.jpg'': subject is Dovyalis hebecarpa fruiting at FernandezFarm in Florida; creator DRSHAGGY151; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 CC BY-SA 4.0]; [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceylon_Gooseberries_Fruits_at_FernandezFarm_in_Florida.jpg 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; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 CC BY-SA 4.0]; [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dovyalis_hebecarpa_in_Jardin_des_Plantes_de_Toulouse_01.jpg 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; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 CC BY-SA 4.0]; [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dovyalis_hebecarpa_in_Jardin_des_Plantes_de_Toulouse_02.jpg file page]; SHA-1 5d7daa9794ec9efd520f3550898be268313834fe.

Dovyalis hebecarpa - Revision history

47.214.193.24: Publish fact-checked fruit article with verified media