Tropical Apricot Fruit Plant (Dovyalis Hebecarpa)

Tropical Apricot (Dovyalis hebecarpa)

Botanical Name: Dovyalis hebecarpa

Common Names: Tropical Apricot, Ceylon Gooseberry, Kitambilla

General Information:

Native to Sri Lanka and southern India.

Spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree with a rounded crown.

Can grow up to 10 meters tall but more commonly around 6 meters.

Also found in Florida. A cross between kitembilla (Dovyalis hebecarpa) and Abyssinian gooseberry (Dovyalis abyssinica).

Thin, tender skin and juicy melting flesh.

Aroma and flavor are faintly suggestive of apricots.

Fully ripe fruit makes a very agreeable jelly.

High in antioxidants and polyphenols.

According to a 2007 study, Dovyalis fruits have 10 anthocyanins and 26 carotenoids.

Additional Information:

Like most dark, purple-skinned fruits, Ceylon gooseberries are high in antioxidants and polyphenols.

Some cultivars have been selected for being thornless, making harvesting easier, and for larger fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or made into jam.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate.