| Ketembilla | |
| Dovyalis hebecarpa | |
| a.k.a. Ceylon Gooseberry |
Small fruit to 1" around with brown velvet skin and deep red acidic pulp. Trees bear fruits in great quantities. The juicy fruit is usually used in drinks and preserves.
Description: Small tree to 15-20ft. Fruiting occurs from spring to early summer. In some areas tree will bear multiple crops throughout the year.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's Fahrenheit.
Growing Environment: Grows very quickly under ideal conditions. Plants will tolerate dry and wet soils, although lots of moisture is necessary for proper fruit development.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Consumed fresh, either as a flavoring for beverages, or in preserves. Fruits can be eaten out of hand but are usually not for the pulp is very acidic.
Native Range: Native to Sri Lanka. Today the ketembilla is occasionally cultivated for juice making.