Hortiforum

General Info – Abyssinian Dovyalis, Abyssinian Gooseberry, Tropical Apricot

A delectable sub-acidic fruit perfect for the subtropics and hardy to many conditions. Abysinnian Gooseberry are a favourite of monkeys and children alike, with fruits maturing to an appealing maroon to red colour. Beneath this thin, velvety skin is a delicious, juicy sub-acid pulp with a melting texture and an Apricot aroma. The Abysinnian Gooseberry, as its common name suggests, has a taste similar to that of Gooseberries and Apricot. Fruits are commonly harvested in the wild for fresh eating but can also be turned into a jam or preserve. The Abyssinian Dovyalis like its relative the Kei Apple and the more distant Governors Plum is a formidably thorny shrub/tree, with imposing spines up to 4cm that make plants suitable for security as well as production. Plants most commonly reach 6 metres in height with inconspicuous white flowers and wavy, glossy leaves. The Abyssinian Gooseberry is native to the subtropical highlands of East Africa, ranging from Ethiopia (Abyssinia being the name for the former Ethiopian Empire) to Malawi. Natively occuring in subtropical highland climates, the Abyssinian Gooseberry will tolerate brief, light frosts with minimal injury. Plants are suitable for both low and high rainfall areas, becoming very hardy once established although plants require extra rainfall/watering during flowering and fruiting for optimal production. Like the Kei Apple, plants are dioecious, requiring a male and female plants so it is advisable that extra plants are grown to ensure a male is present. A formidable shrub/tree perfect for a security hedge while being highly productive and delicious.

Plant Profile/Properties