Salicaceae
Dovyalis keniensis
Kenya Gooseberry
S
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This thorny evergreen shrub is endemic to Kenya and produces abundant tart, edible orange-red fruits. Its dense foliage provides excellent cover and sustenance for local birdlife, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, this shrub is excellent for creating a dense, thorny security hedge or a natural screen. It can also be planted as a specimen for its attractive fruit and wildlife appeal, or included in restoration plantings.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is remarkably drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Be mindful of its thorns when handling or planting in high-traffic areas.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.