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Dovyalis (Dovyalis)
Dovyalis is a genus of shrubs and small trees. The 15 species are native to Africa (Ethiopia south to South Africa) and southern Asia (India, Sri Lanka). They are dense, thorny plants growing to 3 to 6 m tall, with sharp, stem spines in the leaf axils. Buds at the base of the spine produce clusters of alternately arranged simple ovate leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, solitary or clustered, with no petals. The fruit is an edible, yellow to purple globose berry, containing several small seeds. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Dovyalis
Feedback
Attributes of Dovyalis
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dovyalis
Distribution of Dovyalis
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dovyalis
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dovyalis
Feedback
The dovyalis genus is characterized by its demand for full sun exposure and well-draining soil, with a slight acidity preferred. Regular watering during growth periods is required, however they are drought-resistant once established. Common challenges include infestation by pests such as aphids or scale insects and susceptibility to fungal diseases. Despite their tropical origin, these plants have a high tolerance to cold; a key seasonal consideration is their reduced water demands during winter.
Exploring the Dovyalis Plants
Feedback
5 most common species：
Wild apricot
When grown close together, wild apricot trees can form a barrier or fence around a property. The fruits are too acidic when eaten raw so they have to undergo some form of preparation. Just ensure that the fruits aren’t left to soak for a long time because the liquid from the fermentation has herbicidal properties and can be toxic.
Ceylon gooseberry
The ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa) is native to Sri Lanka and southern India. It is a tropical shrub or small tree with spiny stems and inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is a furry, juicy, dark purple berry, extremely acid but good for making jelly and jam. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. The juice is also used in beverages.
Oval kei-apple
Oval kei-apple is a deciduous shrub or small tree, recognized by its spiny branches and simple, alternate leaves. Typically found in savanna or woodland regions, it is well-adapted to withstand arid conditions. During spring, oval kei-apple produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by yellowish, edible fruits that attract various wildlife, contributing to its seed dispersal.
Dovyalis rhamnoides
Dovyalis rhamnoides is a robust, thorny shrub well-suited to arid environments. Its small, pale yellow flowers are inconspicuous, but the plant is primarily known for its sharp spines and dense growth habit. The foliage is dark green, with leaves that are simple and oval-shaped. This makes dovyalis rhamnoides effective as a defensive hedge and a drought-resistant species within its native habitat.
Dune sourberry
In addition to its namesake fruit, dune sourberry (Dovyalis rotundifolia) has ash-colored bark, leathery leaves and intimidating thorns that can reach 8 cm long. Its sour berries, which turn yellow-orange when ripe, are particularly attractive as food for birds, though the plant also attracts bees and butterflies.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Dovyalis
Dovyalis
Dovyalis is a genus of shrubs and small trees. The 15 species are native to Africa (Ethiopia south to South Africa) and southern Asia (India, Sri Lanka). They are dense, thorny plants growing to 3 to 6 m tall, with sharp, stem spines in the leaf axils. Buds at the base of the spine produce clusters of alternately arranged simple ovate leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, solitary or clustered, with no petals. The fruit is an edible, yellow to purple globose berry, containing several small seeds.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Dovyalis
Feedback
Attributes of Dovyalis
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dovyalis
Distribution of Dovyalis
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dovyalis
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dovyalis
Feedback
The dovyalis genus is characterized by its demand for full sun exposure and well-draining soil, with a slight acidity preferred. Regular watering during growth periods is required, however they are drought-resistant once established. Common challenges include infestation by pests such as aphids or scale insects and susceptibility to fungal diseases. Despite their tropical origin, these plants have a high tolerance to cold; a key seasonal consideration is their reduced water demands during winter.
Exploring the Dovyalis Plants
Feedback
5 most common species：
Wild apricot
When grown close together, wild apricot trees can form a barrier or fence around a property. The fruits are too acidic when eaten raw so they have to undergo some form of preparation. Just ensure that the fruits aren’t left to soak for a long time because the liquid from the fermentation has herbicidal properties and can be toxic.
Ceylon gooseberry
The ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa) is native to Sri Lanka and southern India. It is a tropical shrub or small tree with spiny stems and inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is a furry, juicy, dark purple berry, extremely acid but good for making jelly and jam. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. The juice is also used in beverages.
Oval kei-apple
Oval kei-apple is a deciduous shrub or small tree, recognized by its spiny branches and simple, alternate leaves. Typically found in savanna or woodland regions, it is well-adapted to withstand arid conditions. During spring, oval kei-apple produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by yellowish, edible fruits that attract various wildlife, contributing to its seed dispersal.
Dovyalis rhamnoides
Dovyalis rhamnoides is a robust, thorny shrub well-suited to arid environments. Its small, pale yellow flowers are inconspicuous, but the plant is primarily known for its sharp spines and dense growth habit. The foliage is dark green, with leaves that are simple and oval-shaped. This makes dovyalis rhamnoides effective as a defensive hedge and a drought-resistant species within its native habitat.
Show More Species
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
