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Dune Sour-berry
Dovyalis rotundifolia
SA tree no: 510
English: Dune Sour-berry, Wild Apricot, Wine Berry, Dune Dovyalis, Forest Dovyalis, Beach Dovyalis, Coastal Dovyalis
Afrikaans: Duinesuurbessie, Duine-dovyalis, Bos-dovyalis
Historical scientific names: Aberia rotundifolia, Dovyalis celastroides, Celastrus rotundifolius
Dovyalis rotundifolia, often known as the Dune Sour-berry or Forest Dovyalis, is a fascinating indigenous plant found along South Africa's coastal regions. This evergreen, spiny shrub or small tree is highly valued for its dense growth, thorny nature, and remarkable adaptability to specific habitats. Often found scrambling, it's easily recognised by its distinctive rounded leaves and produces small, edible orange-red fruits.
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Distinguishing features
Characterised by its distinctive almost perfectly round or broadly ovate leaves.
Heavily armed with single, straight, sharp thorns, usually 2–5 cm long.
Forms a dense, often impenetrable, scrambling shrub or small tree.
Bears small, orange-red, edible fruits that are produced in abundance.
Overall appearance:
Dovyalis rotundifolia is typically a dense, multi-stemmed, spiny evergreen shrub that can grow into a small tree or scramble over other vegetation. It has a rounded, bushy appearance.
Height:
Usually grows between 1.5 and 5 metres tall, but can sometimes reach up to 10 metres when scrambling into other trees.
Width:
Can spread widely to form dense thickets, particularly when used as a hedge or growing as a scrambler.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, and broadly ovate to almost perfectly round (hence 'rotundifolia'), measuring 2–5 cm in diameter. They are glossy dark green above and paler dull green below, with prominent veins. The texture is leathery.
Flowers:
Inconspicuous, small, yellowish-green, and fragrant. They are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils. Like other Dovyalis species, it is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate plants. Male flowers are typically in clusters, while female flowers are solitary.
Flowering season:
Flowers appear from spring to summer, generally from September to January.
Fruits:
Small, globose to slightly pear-shaped, bright orange-red berries, 1.5–2 cm in diameter. They are edible, juicy, and often slightly acidic. Each fruit contains a few small seeds. They ripen from late summer to autumn (February to May).
Seeds:
Small, contained within the fruit. Propagation is possible from fresh seeds.
Bark:
The bark is smooth and greyish-brown on younger stems, becoming rougher and fissured with age.
Stems:
Stems are often armed with long, sharp, single thorns. Younger stems may be slightly reddish.
Thorns:
Prominent, single, straight, sharp thorns, typically 2–5 cm long, are characteristic of the plant.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, sandy soils. It is well-adapted to coastal conditions, including sandy dunes.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun, but can tolerate semi-shade. It is wind-resistant, making it ideal for coastal planting.
Edibility:
The small, orange-red fruits are edible, though often quite acidic. They can be eaten fresh or used to make jams and jellies, similar to the Kei Apple.
Toxicity:
No information regarding the toxicity of Dovyalis rotundifolia was found.
Uses:
Dovyalis rotundifolia is excellent for coastal gardens, dune stabilisation, and as a security hedge due to its dense, thorny nature. It is also used as a screening plant and for informal hedging.
Ecology:
The fragrant flowers attract various insects, which in turn may attract insectivorous birds. The fruits are a food source for birds, which aid in seed dispersal. Its dense growth provides shelter for small wildlife.
Distribution and habitat: Naturally occurs in coastal bush, dune forests, and along riverine fringes, typically within 1–2 km of the coast. Its distribution extends from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal, northwards to Mozambique, and even into tropical Africa. It is a common component of coastal dune vegetation.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Dovyalis is derived from a Greek word meaning "spear," referring to the plant's thorns.
The specific epithet rotundifolia is Latin, meaning "round-leaved," which directly describes its distinctive leaf shape.
Its historical name, Aberia rotundifolia, indicates its previous classification before being moved to the Dovyalis genus.
Historical aspects:
As an important component of natural coastal vegetation, it has played a role in stabilising dunes and providing habitat and food for local wildlife in these sensitive ecosystems for centuries. Its traditional use by local communities for fruit is also noted.
Interesting facts
The Dune Dovyalis is a champion at stabilising sand dunes, preventing erosion with its extensive root system.
Its round leaves are so distinctive that they give the plant its scientific name, rotundifolia!
While small, the fruits are a juicy treat for birds and, if you're brave enough for the tartness, for humans too!
Growing tips
Dovyalis rotundifolia can be propagated from fresh seeds, which should be cleaned and sown in a sandy, well-draining mix.
Cuttings, particularly semi-hardwood cuttings treated with rooting hormone, can also be used, but may be slow to root.
Plant in well-drained soil, ideally sandy, and in a position that receives full sun or light shade.
It is highly tolerant of coastal conditions, including strong winds and salt spray.
Water regularly when young to establish, but once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant.
Pruning can be done to shape it as a formal hedge or to control its size if grown as a scrambling shrub.
Remember that you need both male and female plants for fruit production.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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