Ceylon Gooseberry small (presale before 25th Feb)

Price increase after arrival to $65

The Ketembilla (Dovyalis hebecarpa), also known as the Ceylon Gooseberry, is a fast-growing, hardy shrub native to Sri Lanka. This small fruit tree produces small, round, purple fruits that are packed with a tart, tangy flavour, making them ideal for jams, jellies, and juices. The fruits can be enjoyed fresh but are often appreciated for their intense taste when cooked with sugar to make delicious preserves. Survives fine in Perth during winter or summer.

Ketembilla thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and prefers well-drained soil. It requires full sun and regular watering, especially during the growing season, to produce an abundance of fruit. The tree is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a perfect addition to low-maintenance gardens. The shrub can grow up to 5 metres in height but can be pruned to maintain a smaller, more manageable size.

With its attractive, glossy green leaves and ornamental appeal, Ketembilla is not only a productive fruit tree but also a beautiful addition to any garden. The small fruits, which ripen from green to deep purple, offer both visual interest and a unique flavour experience.

Key features of the Ketembilla include:

- Fruit: Small, round, purple fruits with a tart flavour

- Soil preference: Well-drained soil

- Sunlight: Full sun

- Watering needs: Regular, particularly during the growing season

- Growth habit: Can reach up to 5 metres, prunable for size control

- Climate suitability: Tropical to subtropical regions

- Uses: Jams, jellies, juices, and fresh eating

Bring a touch of the exotic to your garden with Ketembilla. Order your plant today and enjoy the bold flavour of this unique and versatile fruit.

Best to order 3-5 plants to ensure plenty of fruiting potential. Female Ketembilla (Dovyalis hebecarpa) plants do produce fruit. However, Ketembilla is typically dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. For a female plant to bear more fruit, a male plant is usually required for pollination. Some plants might even be self-fertile, but generally, it's best to have both male and female plants to ensure good fruit production.

Common Names in Indian Languages:

Hindi: किटम्बिला (Kitambila) or सीलोन करोंदा (Ceylon Karonda)

Tamil: கெடம்பிளா (Ketambla) or இலங்கை நெல்லிக்காய் (Ilangai Nellikai)

Telugu: కేటంబిళా (Ketambila) or శ్రీలంక ఉసిరికాయ (Sri Lanka Usirikaya)

Malayalam: കറ്റാമ്പിള (Ketambila)

Kannada: ಕಟಂಬಿಲ (Katambila)

Marathi: श्रीलंकन करवंद (Shri Lankan Karvanda)

Bengali: কেটেম্বিলা (Ketembila)

Common Names in Other Languages:

Sinhalese (Sri Lanka): කටු අඹ (Katu Amba)

English: Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla

Spanish: Grosella de Ceilán (Ceylon Gooseberry)

Portuguese: Groselha-do-ceilão

French: Groseille du Ceylan

Countries Where Ketembilla is Best Known:

Sri Lanka: It is native to Sri Lanka, where it is widely known as "Katu Amba" and used in traditional foods and beverages.

India: Particularly in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, where it is cultivated for its tart fruit.

Brazil: Known as Groselha-do-ceilão, it is appreciated for making juices and preserves.

Australia: Grown in tropical regions and often used in jams, chutneys, and desserts.

United States: Sometimes cultivated in Florida for its ornamental appeal and edible fruit.

The Ketembilla is primarily recognized in tropical and subtropical countries where its tart, antioxidant-rich fruit is valued.

Keywords: Ketembilla, Dovyalis hebecarpa, Ceylon Gooseberry, tart fruit, tropical fruit tree, Australian gardens, exotic fruit, hardy.