Family SALICACEAE
Genus Dovyalis
Species zeyheri
SA Plant Number 511
Basionym Dovyalis zeyheri

Dovyalis zeyheri is a hardy, deciduous, small to medium-sized, tree with spines on the young branches. The tree is very decorative with interesting grey-green foliage. The leaves have a distinctive pungent smell. The spines make this a good addition to a security hedge. From December to March it has small greenish-yellow flowers, followed by bright orange, edible but sour fruit that make a delicious jelly. Male and female flowers are on separate trees, therefore only female plants will bear fruit.

A great bird tree, as the flowers attract insects which, in turn, attract birds as do the fruits.

Plant in sun or semi-shade.

Size: 2 to 13m

Bird Plant: Both fruit and flowers attract birds and insects to the garden. Birds eat the insect as well as the fruit.

Culinary: Edible fruit makes a delicious and tart jelly

Limpopo, N. West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, E. Cape

Natural Habitat: Open woodland, Bushveld and margins of evergreen forest.  Often associated with termite mounds.  

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Large, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Shade - Light, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Form Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Hot afternoon sun, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Screen plant - large, Garden Uses: Shade, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Green shades, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Bushveld, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Rainwater Harvesting Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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