{"product_id":"ceylon-gooseberry-ketembilla-dovyalis-hebecarpa","title":"Dovyalis hebecarpa, Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla Fruit Shrub \/ Tree - Live Plant","description":"\u003ch3\u003eTangy Tropical Fruit for Unique Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla, Kitembilla, Ceylon Gooseberry Tree\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Salicaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Southern India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ceylon Gooseberry (\u003cem\u003eDovyalis hebecarpa\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Ketembilla, is a small, tropical fruit tree native to Sri Lanka and Southern India. It is grown for its small, tart, purple fruits that are similar in size and taste to gooseberries. The fruits are prized for their unique, tangy flavor and are often used to make jams, jellies, juices, and desserts. The tree is highly ornamental, with lush, green foliage and a bushy growth habit, making it a beautiful and productive addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCeylon 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDistinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceylon Gooseberries are small, round, and turn deep purple when ripe. The fruits have a tart, slightly astringent flavor and are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Though the fruits are sour when eaten fresh, they are excellent for making preserves, jams, and juices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that provide a dense, bushy appearance. The foliage adds an ornamental value, and the tree is often grown as a decorative hedge or fruiting shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceylon Gooseberry grows as a bushy shrub or small tree, typically reaching 6-15 feet in height. It has a spreading growth habit and is often pruned to maintain shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCulinary and Medicinal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCeylon Gooseberry fruits are commonly used in cooking, particularly for making jams, jellies, and syrups. The tart flavor complements sweeteners, making it a popular ingredient in preserves and desserts. The fruit can also be used to make refreshing juices and wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedicinally, the fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and helping to combat oxidative stress. It has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues and boost overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil \u0026amp; Moisture: \u003c\/b\u003ePrefers deep, fertile, humus-rich and well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight Requirements: \u003c\/b\u003eFull Sun, Part Shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSelf-Fertile: \u003c\/b\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZone Hardiness: \u003c\/b\u003eOutdoors 9-11 with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efrost protection; Patio\/Greenhouse 4+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis plant ships in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle. Look in the photos for a pot size guide.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/3637\/3860\/files\/live_plant_listing_policy.jpg?v=1756018503\" alt=\"live plant listing policy\" width=\"554\" height=\"113\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sow Exotic","offers":[{"title":"Medium Coconut Coir Pot","offer_id":56831546884256,"sku":"B4-CEY-M","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large Coconut Cor Pot","offer_id":56831546917024,"sku":"B5b-CEY-L","price":54.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/3637\/3860\/files\/ceylon_gooseberry_Dovyalis_hebecarpa.jpg?v=1773515197","url":"https:\/\/www.theplantattraction.com\/products\/ceylon-gooseberry-ketembilla-dovyalis-hebecarpa","provider":"The Plant Attraction ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}