Dovyalis abyssinica
| |
| Scientific name | Dovyalis abyssinica |
|---|---|
| Common names | African gooseberry; koshim; koshommii |
| Genus | Dovyalis |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Growth form | Shrub or small tree |
| Native range | East Africa |
| Fruit | Edible, acidic fruit |
| Mature size | Commonly about 6 m; up to 10 m[1] |
| Years to fruit | About 4–5 years from seed; variable with growing conditions[1] |
| Propagation | Seed, layering, grafting or shield-budding[1] |
Dovyalis abyssinica is an accepted species in the family Salicaceae.[2] It is an East African shrub or small tree that produces an acidic edible fruit, with African gooseberry, koshim, and koshommii recorded as common names.[3][4]
Description
A spiny evergreen shrub or small tree, Dovyalis abyssinica commonly reaches about 6 m and can grow to 10 m. Its eastern African habitats include highland and riparian forest, dry evergreen forest, bushland and rocky slopes, across roughly 600–3,050 m elevation.[1]
Cultivation
Soil and water
Use fertile soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. Horticultural guidance favors noncalcareous soil, although native habitats include rocky limestone slopes; this is not a universal pH threshold. The plant occurs in both dry and wetter tropical environments.[1]
Sun and humidity
Native sites range from forest to bushland and exposed rocky slopes. Habitat-based cultivation inference: match initial shelter and exposure to the provenance rather than assuming that all seedlings require either deep shade or an exposed position.[1]
Seasonal changes
The native range includes both dry and wetter tropical habitats. Habitat-based cultivation inference: adjust supplemental water to local rainfall and root-zone moisture rather than imposing a dry rest on every plant.[1]
Propagation
Seed propagation and layering are possible. Grafting or shield-budding selected material onto seedling rootstocks can preserve a desirable selection. Seed-grown plants may begin bearing at about 4–5 years; that interval is not a guarantee for every climate or propagation method.[1]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest
The plants are dioecious: male and female plants are needed for fruit production. Fruit is about 25 mm across, with thin skin and juicy flesh. Fully ripe fruit can be used for jelly.[1]
Fruit and uses
The acidic fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Fully ripe fruit is useful for jelly; the thin skin and soft flesh distinguish it from fruits with a hard protective rind.[1]
References
- ↑ [1] Ken Fern, Useful Tropical Plants: Dovyalis abyssinica. Accessed 2026-09-20.
- ↑ [4] Dovyalis abyssinica.
Image credits
- Dovyalis abyssinica - Fruit and Spice Park - Homestead, Florida - DSC09041.jpg: photograph by Daderot, own work; CC0 / Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication. Individual file page and license details. Caption: Dovyalis abyssinica plant specimen at Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida.
