Hortiforum

General Info – Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla, Kitembilla, Tropical Apricot

A hardy, evergreen, edible tree, the Ceylon Gooseberry is a great ornamental choice for gardeners in hot and humid climates. Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, this tree thrives in hot, humid conditions and is tolerant to heavy rainfall as well as extended droughts. While the Ceylon Gooseberry can endure periods of drought, its fruit production may be impacted. Under optimal conditions, the Ceylon Gooseberry is extremely vigorous. Mature Ceylon Gooseberry plants exhibit hardiness down to -2 degrees Celsius, though young plants are susceptible to damage in temperatures below freezing. Plants thrive in neutral, well-draining soils enriched with organic matter, but can tolerate various soil types, including sand and limestone. They also exhibit resilience to salt spray. Ceylon Gooseberry are a hardy tropical plant, tolerant to many conditions otherwise unfavourable.
Ceylon Gooseberries are typically dioecious, though occasionally bisexual, indicating that individual plants are either male or female. This characteristic necessitates cross-pollination between the two genders, requiring the presence of both male and female plants for successful cropping. Trees can be pruned into either a large shrub or a small tree, making them well-suited for forming protective, edible windbreak hedges due to their large thorns and resistance to strong winds. In regions where the related Kei Apple, a similar protective, edible hedge, might pose invasiveness concerns, the Ceylon Gooseberry offers a valuable alternative.
When provided with sufficient water, the tree produces an abundance of cherry-sized fruits, each maturing into a deep purple with a velvety skin. Although the fruits carry a pronounced sour and bitter taste, they boast an exceptional flavour reminiscent of Cherry, Apricot, and Cranberry. Succulent, juicy and rich in Vitamin C, Ceylon Gooseberries can be used in jams, preserves, and sweetened drinks, making these fruits a versatile culinary asset. With its distinctive and colourful fruits abundantly borne on an imposing, spiny hedge, the Ceylon Gooseberry, when thoughtfully placed, brings both utility and the delight of flavourful fruits to any landscape.

Plant Profile/Properties