Dovyalis abyssinica aka Abyssinian Gooseberry

Dovyalis abyssinica belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. Common names include Abyssinian gooseberry and African gooseberry. It comes from eastern and northeastern tropical Africa, south to Malawi. Useful Tropical Plants extends its range south to Mozambique. It grows in highland woods, riverine forests, scrub, and wooded grassland. Its habitats include dry forests and rocky limestone slopes.

This evergreen shrub can also form a small tree. Its crown is rounded, and its stems bear spines. In gardens, expect about 20 feet (6 metres) in height. It can spread about 20 feet (6 metres) across. Larger plants may reach 33 feet (10 metres) tall. Growth is moderate. The narrow, oval leaves have wavy or toothed edges. The trunk can reach about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres) across.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both sexes must be present for fruit production. One male can serve about 30 female plants. Plants raised from seed start fruiting after four or five years. The round, orange fruit measures about 0.08 feet (0.025 metres) across. It has soft, thin skin and juicy flesh. Its scent and taste have a mild hint of apricot. People eat the fruit fresh or cook it. Fully ripe fruit also makes jelly. People use roots and stems in a tonic soup.

This plant suits hot tropical climates with a dry season. It also grows in places with more rain. Give it sun, since it does not grow in shade. It prefers moist, fertile soil rich in humus. Good drainage matters, whether the soil contains sand, loam, or clay. It accepts acidic to neutral soil but dislikes lime-rich ground. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12. Growers can raise plants from seed, cuttings, or layers. Grafting and shield budding can preserve selected forms.

People gather its fruit from wild plants. They also grow it as an ornamental shrub or tree. Its hard wood serves for handles, spoons, bed frames, and fuel. Traditional uses include leaf preparations for indigestion. Roots also have recorded medicinal uses, including treatment of venereal disease. These records do not establish that such treatments work. The sources report no known hazards. They give no specific pest or disease problems.