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Plant Informational Database

Ketembilla

Dovyalis hebecarpa

a.k.a. Ceylon Gooseberry

Small fruit to 1" around with brown velvet skin and deep red acidic pulp. Trees bear fruits in great quantities. The juicy fruit is usually used in drinks and preserves.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

Small tree to 15-20ft. Fruiting occurs from spring to early summer. In some areas tree will bear multiple crops throughout the year.

Hardiness

Hardy to the upper 20's Fahrenheit.

Growing Environment

Grows very quickly under ideal conditions. Plants will tolerate dry and wet soils, although lots of moisture is necessary for proper fruit development.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

Consumed fresh, either as a flavoring for beverages, or in preserves. Fruits can be eaten out of hand but are usually not for the pulp is very acidic.

Native Range

Native to Sri Lanka. Today the ketembilla is occasionally cultivated for juice making.

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Related Species

Salicaceae  
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