Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla (Dovyalis hebecarpa)
Ceylon Gooseberry, commonly known as Ketembilla and Kitambilla, is a tropical perennial fruiting shrub or small tree native to Sri Lanka and southern India. The small round exotic fruit has deep-maroon, furry, and velvety skin. The pulp has a simultaneously tart, sweet, sour, acidic and bitter flavor with notes of cranberry, lemon, honey, and papaya. Fruit is a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and is eaten fresh or made into juice and jam.
Ceylon Gooseberry was originally brought to the United States by Dr. David Fairchild. It has since been naturalized in Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, Israel, and parts of Central America and South Africa.
Plant Type:
Tropical Fruit Tree, Shrub
Harvest Season:
Spring - Summer
Mature Size:
Tree grows between 9-16 ft. tall
Soil & Moisture:
Prefers deep, fertile, humus-rich and well-draining soil.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Ceylon Gooseberry is grown from seed and is capable of fruiting within 2 years.
