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Summary

Dovyalis abyssinica or commonly known as Abyssinian Gooseberry is an evergreen, dioecious, spiny shrub or small tree with a rounded crown. It reaches about 6-10 m in height with trunk diameter of about 20 cm. It can be found in highland forests in Eastern Africa. The leaves are oval and slender, with wavy or jagged edges. The edible fruit is small, round, and orange in colour. It has a thin, tender skin and a juicy flesh. Roots and stems can as well be eaten in tonic soup. The wood is hard and suitable for tool handles, spoons, and bedsteads. It can also be used for fuel. Abyssinian gooseberry can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Physical Characteristics

Dovyalis abyssinica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Aberia abyssinica (A.Rich.) Clos Dovyalis engleri Gilg Flacourtia obtusata Hochst. ex A.Rich. Hydnoc

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Stem
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[ 398 ]. The fruit has a thin, tender skin and a juicy melting flesh with an aroma and flavour faintly suggestive of apricots[ 301 ]. When fully ripe it makes a very agreeable jelly[ 301 ]. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter[ 200 ]. Roots and stems are eaten in a tonic soup[ 301 ].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the liquid taken as a treatment for indigestion[ 398 ]. The roots are used for treating indigestion and VD[ 398 ].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fuel Wood

Other Uses: The wood is hard. It is used for tool handles, spoons and bedsteads[ 398 ]. The wood is used for fuel[ 398 ].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A plant of the hot, dry, tropics, though it also succeeds in areas of higher rainfall[ 335 ]. Grows best in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil[ 200 ]. Dislikes calcareous soils[ 335 ]. Plants begin bearing when about 4 - 5 years old from seed[ 200 ]. Dioecious - both male and female plants must be grown if fruit is required. One male is sufficient for about 30 female plants[ 200 ].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - Layering[ 200 ]. Graft or shield-bud desirable varieties on to seedling rootstocks[ 200 ].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Abyssinian gooseberry, Akudho, Ankakute, Gibin, Kimukiet, Kinokuet, Koshim, Koshum, Kudah, Limoro, Mahhahhari, Mbuchi, Mmango, Mnzuyuyu, Msambwa, Muirungi, Mukambura, Mundariwa, Mundililwa, Nokok, Nukchat, Ol-morogi, Ongolatz, Sangana, Songla, Songola,

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Kenya; Ethiopia; Malawi; Uganda; South Sudan; Somalia; Tanzania, United Republic of; Yemen, Africa, Cuba, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Socotra, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

(A.Rich.) Warb.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

Dovyalis abyssinica - (A.Rich.) Warb.