Family FLACOURTIACEAE
Genus Dovyalis
Species rhamnoides
SA Plant Number 509
Basionym Dovyalis rhamnoides

Dovyalis rhamnoides is a fairly hardy, evergreen bushy shrub or slender small tree with grey bark. 

Long, very sharp, slender spines are massed on the branches. The beautiful, glossy, dark green leaves are arranged horizontally on one plane. 

The tiny creamy-green flowers are borne from June to September and are followed by oval, bright red, fleshy fruit that is edible and can be used to make a preserve. 

The fruit also attracts birds to the garden.  

This decorative tree is a useful addition to a security hedge. 

Size 1 to 7m

Wildlife Garden addition: Flowers attract pollinating insects which are in turn eaten by birds. Fruit is relished by birds.

Landscaping: An excellent addition to a security hedge. Also makes a good wind-break.

Culinary: Edible succulent fruits make an excellent jelly.

Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

  Natural Habitat: Bushveld, Evergreen Forest, Scrub  

Growth Rate: Moderate, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Shade, Position: Shade - Light, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Position: Under deciduous trees, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Screen plant - medium, Garden Uses: Security barrier, Garden Uses: Shade, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Wind Barrier, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Green shades, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Bushclumps, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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