Publication from UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service
Gene Joyner, Extension Agent (retired)
The Dovyalis
The Dovyalis, commonly called "Tropical Apricot" is a large,
spreading shrub that grows 18 to 20 feet with about the same width. It
usually has long, drooping branches with 3-4 inch green leaves. Some
types of Dovyalis have large,
conspicuous thorns while others are completely thornless. The one most
commonly grown is a sweet variety, a natural hybrid that developed
between Dovyalis abyssinica and Dovyalis hebecarpa.
Fruits
are produced during much of the warm season at various intervals and
are about 1-1/4 - 1-1/2 inches across, brownish-red or yellow at
maturity with tiny white spots in many varieties. The flesh is
yellow-orange, very soft with a distinctive apricot flavor. Fruits are
commonly eaten fresh or used for various types of jellies, jams, pies
and drinks. The Dovyalis can be made into an excellent wine.
Shrubs
are propagated by airlayering or by taking cuttings from the better
flavored varieties. Usually, when airlayered, fruiting can be expected
in the same year, while cuttings usually take about a year to fruit.
Most Dovyalis are widely adapted to a extensive range of soil
conditions, but get a lot of nutrient deficiencies on highly alkaline
soil. Dovyalis should be fertilized once every 2-3 months with a
good-quality, complete fertilizer. On alkaline soils, make sure that
additional minor elements are supplied to keep trees normal in
appearance. Most Dovyalis do not need a lot of heavy watering, but will
benefit from mulching to keep their roots moist during the dry season.
Most Dovyalis grow at a rate of 3-4 feet a year and can be grown as a
hedge if desired, although more often they are kept as a large specimen
shrub.
Although relatively hardy, Dovyalis will freeze at 26° F,
but if cut back to undamaged wood they will recover quickly. Most
varieties of Dovyalis carried in nurseries are the sweet varieties,
however, occasionally some will be very tart, because they might have
been raised from seed.
If you have friends that have sweet varieties, try to get cuttings or airlayers to be sure of getting good quality fruit.
There
are few pests that bother Dovyalis. Occasionally, birds might eat the
fruit, but usually they will only take a few. Aphids are sometimes
found on new growth but are usually not severe enough for spraying.
Dovyalis is a very good shrub for areas where you want a large
screening affect, and it is often used as an informal hedge along
property lines or to block undesirable views.
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