Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla (Dovyalis Hebecarpa)

Ceylon Gooseberry, commonly known as Ketembilla and Kitambilla, is a tropical perennial fruiting shrub or small tree native to Sri Lanka and southern India.  The small round exotic fruit has deep-maroon, furry, and velvety skin.  The pulp has a simultaneously tart, sweet, sour, acidic and bitter flavor with notes of cranberry, lemon, honey, and papaya.  Fruit is a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and is eaten fresh or made into juice and jam.

Ceylon Gooseberry was originally brought to the United States by

Dr. David Fairchild

.  It has since been naturalized in Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, Israel, and parts of Central America and South Africa.