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Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb.
| Family Name: | Salicaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Common Name: | Ceylon Gooseberry, Kitambilla |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Shrubby (1m-5m), Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A small tree grows up to 6 m tall under cultivation. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The alternate leaves are ovate to elliptical, measuring to 10 cm long. |
| Flowers | This tree is dioecious, which means male and female flowers are brone on separate trees. Flowers are small, greenish-white, located in the leaf axils. |
| Fruit | Fruits are globose, measuring up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Mature fruits are dark-purple, covered with short grey hairs. The fruit flesh is purplish-red, embedding with small seeds. |
| Cultivation | Ketembilla grows best in rich-loamy soils. Provide sufficient water to the plants during the fruit season. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The fruit pulp is edible, with a sour taste. Ketembilla can be consumed fresh or made into drinks and desserts. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.0 (Tree - Dense Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Cream / Off-White, Green |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black, Purple, Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1567 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2860 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |