Salicaceae

Dovyalis hispidula

Bristly sourberry

Shrub

Common species

Size

Quantity

Not currently in stock. We can propagate or source this species — add to your order and we'll confirm timeline and availability.

Ask on WhatsApp·Email us

About

This is a spiny shrub or small tree, growing up to 6 metres tall, with greyish-brown branches bearing slender, acute spines up to 4 cm long. Its small, dull green leaves, 0.8–3.5 cm in length, are broad-elliptic to obovate and sparsely covered with bristly hairs, often displaying translucent gland-dots when held against light. The inconspicuous, greenish flowers lead to subglobular, fleshy fruits 1-2 cm across, which are bristly and turn bright red when ripe, and are edible.

Where it works in Kilifi

Native to coastal East Africa, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It is suitable as a specimen plant or can be grown as a protective hedge due to its numerous sharp spines.

Growing notes

Dovyalis hispidula is generally a medium-rate grower, showing drought resilience once established but benefiting from moderate watering, ideally every two weeks. For optimal fruit production, additional watering is recommended during flowering and fruiting periods. As a dioecious species, both male and female plants are required for the production of its edible fruits.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: kew.org, mozambiqueflora.com, jstor.org, picturethisai.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.